Accessibility | University of Portland

Accessibility

The Clark Library welcomes users with disabilities and is committed to providing equitable access for all individuals, regardless of disability status.

Access to the Clark Library includes:

  • Access to our physical spaces
  • Access to our collections
  • Digital accessibility
  • Assistive services and technology
  • Accessibility resources at the Service Desk

Highlights are listed under each of these categories below. More information is available on the library's Accessibility guide. If you need assistance or encounter an accessibility issue, please email us at library@up.edu or call the Library Service Desk at 503.943.7111. We are always happy to answer questions!

We welcome input from our community about how our spaces and services fit your needs. For accessibility suggestions or concerns, contact Heidi Senior (senior@up.edu), chair of the Clark Library Accessibility Committee, or share anonymous feedback through our Comments and Suggestions form.

Leave a Comment or Suggestion

Access to our physical spaces

  • Building access: A ramp is available at the library's main entrance, and an elevator provides access to all three floors of the library. Fully renovated in 2013, the library's public spaces are wheelchair accessible. We also have an interactive floor map with photos and descriptions of spaces.

  • Quiet Areas: The Lower Level of the library is designated as a quiet floor. There is also a Quiet Study Lounge on Level Two (Room 223).

  • Sensory-friendly lighting and plush seating: Several floor lamps with dimmer, warm lighting are located in study rooms around the Quiet Study Lounge on Level Two, as well as 4 plush foam chairs.

  • Accessible restrooms: All restrooms in the library have a wheelchair accessible stall. Additionally, there is a gender-inclusive, single user restroom on the Lower Level that is wheelchair accessible. We encourage patrons to use whichever restrooms most closely align with their gender identity or make them feel most comfortable. Nearby all-user restrooms in Dundon-Berchtold and Buckley Center are available until 11pm.

  • Service Animals: Service animals are welcome; however, in keeping with the university's Policy on Service and Support Animals, emotional support animals are not permitted. Study Room 203 has been set aside as an animal-free zone for those with allergies.

Access to our collections

  • Obtaining library materials:
    • You can request to have books and media placed on hold for pickup at the Service Desk on Level One.

    • You may also ask someone to pick up items from the Service Desk on your behalf. Contact us at library@up.edu or 503.943.7111 to make the arrangement.

    • You can request chapters from books at UP or other Summit libraries that are ready for use with screen reader software. Please make a note in the comment field that you need an accessible copy.

    • The Library also provides screen reader-ready electronic course reserves. 
  • Alternate format textbooks and course materials: If you require alternate format textbooks and text materials for your coursework (such as electronic or screen reader-ready versions), please contact Accessible Education Services.

  • Research assistance: We offer personalized research help, including in-person or online appointments with our librarians, drop-in help at our Research Desk on Level One, and by chat, email, or phone. Visit our Help page for information on all of these options.

Digital accessibility

We are committed to making our library webpages, databases, and online content (such as e-books, online journals, and other media) accessible. You can find help using some library resources on our Accessibility guide. If you encounter any issues with accessing digital library content, please contact 503.943.7111 or email library@up.edu.

Assistive services and technology

  • Please ask at the Service Desk or email library@up.edu ahead of time if you need specific assistance during your visit, such as help locating accessible computers or furniture.

  • Our online How to Use the Library guide has information about many other library services and resources, including laptops and other equipment for checkout, printing and scanning options, and more.

  • For additional assistive services and technology available at the University of Portland, please contact Accessible Education Services.

Accessibility resources at the Service Desk

Ask at the Service Desk if you'd like to use any of these items available to UP students, faculty, and staff.

  • Need your own quiet zone? We have Anker and Bose noise-canceling headphones available for 24-hour check-out. Free ear plugs are available on the counter at the Service Desk.

  • Want some help to de-stress? We offer tranquility kits containing soothing fidget toys, a mindfulness mini-book, affirmation cards, and a full-spectrum HappyLight available for 24-hour check-out.