Accessibility Services

Robert R. Muntz Library

The University of Texas at Tyler Libraries staff strives to provide all UT Tyler students, faculty, and staff equal access to information in support of their curriculum and research needs. The goal of the UT Tyler Libraries is to provide services that will encourage and enhance the use of our collections. The Robert R. Muntz Library on the main campus of the University of Texas at Tyler offers a range of services for our library users with disabilities that encourages their independent use of the library. We recognize that special assistance is needed to use some library resources. The library works closely with the University’s Office of Student Accessibility and Resources to provide additional service as requested.

Accessibility

The Robert R. Muntz Library parking lot number 10 provides wheelchair accessible parking at the main entrance to the Library. All floors of the Robert R. Muntz Library are accessible by elevator. Each elevator provides Braille lettering.

The Robert R. Muntz Library is equipped with automatic doors on the West and East entrances.

Most library seating will accommodate a wheelchair. Wheelchair accessible restroom stalls are located in all restrooms on all four floors. Staff members are available to assist patrons needing assistance in gaining access to restrooms, as requested.

Services

Library staff will provide service and/or reasonable accommodations aimed at equalizing access to library resources. The type and nature of the assistance is determined by the request. While most special assistance can be given at the time of the request, it may be necessary for library users to make an appointment with appropriate staff, depending upon their request. 

Reference Services and Adaptive Technology

The reference staff of the Robert R. Muntz Library provide assistance to users in identifying and locating materials and information. Traditionally, reference service includes instruction in the use of our materials and assistance in library research. Librarians will make every attempt to provide service while on duty at the Reference Desk. Extended questions will be referred to the respective subject liaison when service cannot be completed while on the Reference Desk. While reference service is available during all hours the library is open, the librarians do provide assistance by telephone, by online request, and by special appointment. Contact the Reference Department at 903.566.7343 or library@uttyler.edu for further information or an appointment.

The library provides access to a growing collection of periodical databases, electronic full-text journals, and other materials through the library’s web page. Access to these materials is available in the UT Tyler library and remotely at other locations. Instructions in establishing remote access to this material are available on the UT Tyler’s web page by clicking on Databases by Title.

In addition to traditional reference service, the Robert R. Muntz Library can make arrangements for a tour or special instruction on the use of the Library and its collections. In addition, faculty members often bring their classes to the library for group instruction on the use of materials. The librarian conducting the instruction can make arrangements for an individual instruction session for students with a disability. Contact the Reference Department. at 903.566.7343 or library@uttyler.edu for further information or for an appointment.

The Robert R. Muntz Library owns adaptive technology for patron use. The equipment, located in the second floor reference area includes a computer with application software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Jaws for Windows, Magic Professional with Speech, TOPAZ Desktop Video Magnifier, and SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance). Students can gain access to this equipment on a first come, first served basis.

Students needing assistance with the equipment are provided training, and referred to the Library, by UT Tyler’s Office of Student Accessibility and Resources (SAR) on the Tyler campus. SAR provides students equal access to all educational, social and recreational programs through the coordination of services and reasonable accommodations, consultation, and advocacy. SAR, located in the University Center, room 3150, provides students with access to additional equipment such as large screen computers, a speech synthesizer, screen reading software, Braille print equipment, and Dragon Dictate Voice. SAR may be contacted by calling 903.566.7079, emailing saroffice@uttyler.edu, or visiting with the staff at the University Center.

Circulation & Interlibrary Loan Services

Retrieval of Materials

Library staff recognizes that specialized help is sometimes required for individuals and we will attempt to provide the necessary assistance. Staff in all library departments can assist you in finding a book or journal. As staffing permits, service accommodations include helping disabled users retrieve, checkout/renew, print, and copy library resources. If the material cannot be retrieved or copied immediately, the library staff will strive to make items available within a 24 hour period. Students and library staff may need to seek additional assistance from the Office of Student Accessibility and Resources. 

Renewals

The library provides online renewal of items through the library catalog. Users may also renew their items by calling the Circulation Desk at 903.566.7342. 

Print Services

Each semester all UT Tyler students have $25.00 placed on their student identification card for printing. Printing at the library is 5¢ per page  for black and white (25¢ for color) with the ID card. The reference desk staff is available to assist students with their printing questions and provide assistance as needed. Students that have exhausted their funds on their ID card may visit the Cashier’s office to place more funds on their card. If they choose not to, students will be charged 5¢ per page with their ID card. Students who do not have their ID cards in their possession are charged 10¢ per page.

Photocopy/Interlibrary Loan Services

As staffing permits, Interlibrary Loan staff is available to assist in the copying of materials during regular business hours. Most requests for copying will take 24 hours to complete. Students and library staff may need to seek additional assistance from the Office of Student Accessibility and Resources and/or the Copy Center, located on the ground floor of the Library, LIB 102. If the library does not own the material, the user will be referred to the Interlibrary Loan Department for assistance. Questions regarding copying or interlibrary loan can be referred to Howard Rockwell: hrockwell@uttyler.edu or 903.566.7396.

Request for Accommodation

Any UT Tyler student or faculty member who requires special accommodations beyond the services listed above should contact the Director of Student Services – studentservices@uttyler.edu, 903.565.5746.