The George A. Smathers Libraries are committed to ensuring access to library collections and services for individuals with disabilities. It is library policy to respond to requests for assistance needed in a timely manner. If you are planning a visit, please feel free to contact us in advance about any potential needs at special@uflib.ufl.edu.
Accessing our Spaces
Accessible UF Campus Map
For accessible entrances, ADA parking, ADA routes and bus stops, select ‘ADA accessibility’ on the Campus map.
Accessible Smathers Entrance
Main entrance to Smathers Library has a automatic door opener for accessibility needs.
Smathers Library Elevator: When entering the building, the elevator is located at the far end of the first-floor lobby hallway.
Smathers Collection Spaces:
- Map & Imagery Library (1st floor): The main entrance to the Map & Imagery Library offers an automatic door opener.
- Grand Reading Room (2nd floor): Elevator provides access to 2nd floor. The GRR main entrance is accessible via doorbell.
- Latin American & Caribbean Collection (3rd floor): Elevator provides immediate access to the LACC.
Accessibility Technology
Equipment
- Computers: There are computers available for public use. Please see public services staff at circulation desks for further assistance
- Catalog computer: On the 3rd floor, LACC also offers a catalog computer (located near the elevator) for easy access to search library holdings.
- Microfilm readers: Smathers Library offers three public-facing microfilm readers for accessing materials on microfilm. There are two microfilm readers located on the 3rd floor in LACC and one on the 2nd floor in the GRR. For information on the microfilm collections and readers, visit the UF Libraries’ microfilm guide.
- Printers: There is only one printer available in Smathers Library (for UF affiliates only). The printer is located in the LACC, however library computers in Smathers can send print jobs to all UF library printers. There is a fee associated with printing.
- Scanners: There are flatbed and KIC scanners available in our collection spaces.
- Map & Imagery Library (1st floor): one flatbed scanner (11″x17″) and one large format WideTEK scanner (44″).
- Grand Reading Room (2nd floor): one photo/slide/negative scanner, one flatbed scanner (11″x17″), and one KIC Bookeye Scanner with automatic document feeder.
- Latin American & Caribbean Collection (3rd floor): one flatbed scanner (8.5″X11) and one KIC Bookeye Scanner with automatic document feeder.
Need software accommodations? Visit a list of available software on the Technology section of the UF Libraries Accessibility page.
Accessibility Services
- Proxy borrower: Borrowing by proxy authorizes another individual to serve as a proxy and check out library material on behalf of another user seeking accessibility accommodations. For more information please view the Public Proxy Borrower Policy
- Eresources: UF Libraries maintain access to over 1,000 databases and platforms, 140,000 e-journals, and one million e-books. For more information, please visit the Online Materials section of the UF Libraries Accessibility page.
- Duplication services: Smathers Library provides high-res digital reproductions of Special Collections materials. Please review the Duplication and Use Request Form page for more information.
Inclusive Spaces
Gender-inclusive restrooms:
- 1st floor: Room 21A, past double doors near the men’s room
- 2nd floor: Room 202B, across from the exhibition gallery
- 3rd floor: Room 305A, outside of the Latin American & Caribbean Collection main entrance
For further assistance, please reach out to public services staff at their respective circulation desks.
Smathers Library Accessibility Liaison: Daniela Suzarte
Further Assistance
UF Library Resources
Campus Resources
- UF Disability Resource Center
- Campus general assistance: DRCAccessUF@ufsa.ufl.edu
- UF ADA Office
- Service Animals: The libraries follow UF guidelines and allows the use of trained service animals by individuals with disabilities in all public areas. Please visit the UF Services Animals policy page for more information.
- UF Disabled Parking provides information about accessible on-campus parking decals.
- Gator Lift – Gator Lift provides free shuttle service to accessible locations within the boundaries of the campus of the University of Florida for students, faculty, and staff with temporary or permanent mobility-related disabilities.
- Emergency Evacuation Assistance provided by UF.
- TTY 1-800-955-8771 or dial 711 and ask for any library phone number listed on our Contact Us page
Questions? Contact special@uflib.ufl.edu