Frequently Asked Questions

Services for Individuals with Disabilities

The CSI Library is committed to providing equal access to all library materials, programs, and services by all its patrons, including those with disabilities. Both librarians and staff members working at the public service desks make every effort to accommodate reasonable requests from students, faculty, and staff requiring assistance. In particular, the library pays special attention to students who, having a documented disability, are registered with the Center for Student Accessibility.

Assistive Technology Available

The First Floor Reference area houses the following assistive equipment:

• CCTV Machine (Closed Circuit Television) -- A device that enlarges both text and image of any printed material.
• Adaptive Technology Workstation(s) -- Comprised screen-reading software (JAWS 18); large print software (Zoom Text 11); reading and writing software (Kurzweil 3000 and WYNN 7); a Hewlett Packard scanner and Kurzweil 1000 software (which together scan and vocalize print).
• An Automatic Height Adjustable Table -- Allows for easy access of the equipment.

Media Services, located on the second floor of the library building prior to entering the rotunda, has: 

• Closed-Captioned monitors for viewing video materials

Physical Access to the Library

The CSI Library is a physically accessible facility. An automatic push-pad opens the library's main entrance. Upper levels of the library are accessible by two elevators. The elevator leading to the two upper levels, floors 2 and 3, of library stacks is located to the left of the rotunda upon entering. The elevator leading to the library's Media Services is located immediately to the right upon entering the library. Media Services general hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Photocopiers/ Scanning/ Printing

Photocopiers and scanners are located in the Reference area and printing on the first and second floors of the library. If personal assistance is needed, contact the Reference Librarian at ext. 4010 and /or staff in the Technical Support office, outside Room 109 at ext. 4016. The OIT Help Desk is also located outside Room 109 for password/ printing resets. The assistive technology terminals print out to the Reference printer and require a login by the Reference librarian on duty.

Stack Access

Persons who are unable to access the book stacks may request that the material be retrieved by contacting the Circulation Desk at 718.982.4011.

Research Assistance / Library Instruction

Individuals with disabilities may receive research assistance upon request at the Reference desk. If more extensive research assistance is needed, please contact us at reference@csi.cuny.edu, use the instruction request form, or contact a librarian at ext. 4010. Reference desk hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9am to 10 pm amd weekends from 9am to 6pm. Please use chat reference with a librarian, a 24 hour service seven days a week outside of these hours. Prior to any library instruction or workshops, the instructor may be contacted for any needed documented accommodations.

Note: All Reference Services, Circulation/ Reserve Services, and access to the upper level floors will end two hours before the library closes. Check library hours.

For further information about services for persons with disabilities, including basic orientation sessions for individuals or groups, please contact:

Professor Kerry Falloon
Library Liaison to the Center for Student Accessibility
Phone: 718.982.4025
Email: kerry.falloon@csi.cuny.edu

One may also refer to the CSI Library's accessibility guide for students/ professionals.