The James A. Gibson Library is proud to be part of Brock’s university-wide commitment to provide facilities, programs and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
The Accessibility at Brock website provides information on policies and practices under way at Brock.
If you would like to provide feedback about accessibility, please contact libraryaccessibility@brocku.ca.
Submitting a request for an alternate format? Use this form.
Services and Facilities
Please inquire at the Ask Us Desk or email libraryaccessibility@brocku.ca for help with the following:
- Assistance with book renewals and extended loan periods.
- Library tours or one-on-one assistance.
Book Retrieval
Place a request on print materials with an “available” status to have books retrieved from the shelves for you.
When you find a book in Omni, click on ‘Request’ in the book record. Fill in your Brock username and password and place your request.
More information on how to request a book.
Book Return
Library materials can be returned to the Ask Us Desk when the Library is open. An after-hours book return slot is located at the east entrance to the Library.
Library books can be returned by mail if you are unable to access the Library. Please contact libhelp@brocku.ca and we will send a postage paid envelope for you to return the books by mail (Canadian addresses only).
Brock faculty and staff can also return library books via interoffice mail, addressing the envelope to “James A Gibson Library”.
Alternate Format Material
- Services for Students with Disabilities manages requests for alternative formats of course packages and textbooks. Please see Student Accessibility Services for more information.
- To access alternative formats of library materials, you must be registered with Student Accessibility Services. You will then be able to search the Accessible Content E-Portal (ACE), an online repository of books in accessible formats. More information about ACE. How does ACE work? Watch: Accessible Content ePortal Behind the Scenes.
- For other library materials or for materials not found in ACE, please use the Alternative Format Request form or email libraryaccessibility@brocku.ca to submit a request and we will work to find or create an accessible copy.
Other Sources of Alternate Format Material
- Many library books and journal articles are available in electronic format. When searching Omni, limit your search to Available online to find electronic formats.
- Your public library can help you find accessible formats through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). Membership with CELA gives you access to an accessible online library of over 185,000 titles!
Photocopying, Scanning and Printing
- Assistance is available in operating any library equipment. Please inquire at the Ask Us Desk on the Main Floor.
- Users with visual disabilities can arrange to have reserve materials or other articles photocopied or scanned in enlarged format for the self-serve price per copy.
Accessible Teaching and Learning
For information on accessible teaching and learning, please see the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation’s Accessible Teaching and Learning page.
- All entrances are equipped with automatic door operators.
- A variety of table heights and study space is available throughout the Library/Learning Commons.
- Desk height accessible counters are provided at the Ask Us and Learning Commons Reception desks.
- A magnifier is available for 4-hour loan at the Ask Us Desk.
- Headphones are available for 4-hour loan at the Ask Us Desk.
- A self-serve scanner is available on the main floor near the Ask Us Desk. Scanning can also be done using any library photocopier.
- The library elevator services all library floors and is accessible.
One-Person Study Room
An individual study room on the 10th floor is reserved for use by students registered with Student Accessibility Services. Entrance to this room is by key code. The webpage to book the room can be found in SAS Brightspace, and the key code will be provided to you in your booking confirmation email. Questions about your access to the room can be directed to Student Accessibility Services at askSAS@brocku.ca.
Please note that the entrance width of the doorway is 75cm (29.5″) making it unsuitable for some wheelchairs, scooters and mobility devices. Please contact staff at the Ask Us desk or email libraryaccessibility@brocku.ca for alternatives.
Height-Adjustable Desk
A height-adjustable desk is available on the main floor (2nd floor) of the Library. The height range of the desk is 23.6″ – 49.2″.
Accessible Washrooms
In the Library, an accessible individual washroom equipped with a door operator is available on Floor 5, near the elevators. Outside of the Library, two accessible individual washrooms with power-operated doors are available next to the elevators in the Schmon Tower Lobby.
Temporary Disruptions
For information about Library disruptions, please see the Library News Feed. For information about University disruptions, see Brock University’s Accessibility website.
Support Persons & Service Animals
Service animals are permitted. Support persons are permitted to attend any event, workshop or service provided by the Library. Most of our services are free of charge, however, where charges do apply, service persons will be admitted free of charge.
Getting to the Library
The Library is located in the Schmon Tower (see map). The main entrance is on the main level of the Tower.
Arriving by taxi or public transit to the main entrance at Schmon Tower
- Enter the Schmon Tower.
- From the Schmon Tower lobby, proceed left to enter the Library/Learning Commons.
- An additional entrance (the South Entrance) is accessible from the Thistle Corridor.
Arriving by car
- Enter the Brock campus from Glenridge Avenue.
- Accessible pay and display parking is provided in D LOT.
- For more information about parking, please see Accessible Parking.