Fondren strives to make the library accessible to all its users.

Accessible features of the Fondren Library building include:

• -entrances,
• -elevators,
• -restrooms (basement, 1st, 2nd, & 6th floors),
• -study areas,
• -stacks (basement and 1st floor with access for small wheel chairs on 2nd floor),
• -computers and desks,
• -drinking fountains,
• -magnifying sheets at public service points (Reference Desk, Circulation Desk, Government Information Desk, DMC Information Desk, BIC Reference Desk) ,
• -amplified public phones (control on receiver) on 1st floor - one in alcove next to ATM; another near elevator B),
• -strobe/audible fire alarms

• -Retrieving items from the stacks for those with limited vision or limited mobility.
• -Making digital or paper copies of documents for those with visual impairments (in collaboration with the Disability Support Services Office). For assistance in copying library materials, ask at Circulation. For requesting interlibrary loan materials, please either note the accessibility issue on the ILIAD request form to clarify the preferred format, or contact Document Delivery (ILL) directly at 713-348-2284.
• -Proxy borrowing when getting to the library is challenging.
• -Extended loan periods for those with identified needs.
• -Reference assistance, individual instruction, or individual tours.*

For the most timely service or for more information about any service, please contact Circulation (phone :713-348-4021; email: circ@rice.edu).

*For reference assistance, instruction, or tours please contact Reference (phone, email, and chat listed at http://library.rice.edu/services/reference_assistance/ask-a-librarian ).

Fondren Library also has an Accessibility Committee. For additional concerns that do not require an immediate answer, contact Linda Spiro (email: lindas@rice.edu), chair of the committee.

Adaptive Technology Equipment:

Rice Disability Support Services (DSS) has the following equipment available in the Fondren Library for Rice students and staff. Others needing access to this equipment should contact the DSS office at 713-348-5841 during regular business hours. Rice students and staff already trained in the use of the equipment may check with staff at the Circulation Desk to gain access to the room where the equipment is housed. Those needing training should call the DSS office at 713-348-5841.

• -Closed circuit television for magnification of printed materials
• -JAWS screen reading software
• -Refreshable Braille display
• -Kurzweil 3000 scan and read system for persons with learning disabilities
• -Kurzweil 1000 scan and read system for persons who are blind 
• -ZoomText software for screen magnification
• -Braille embosser with Duxbury translation software
• -TDD/TTY phones for use by the deaf

Rice Accessibility Map
The Disability Support Services Office publishes the Downloadable Accessibility Map linked on the campus map. It shows accessible entrances to all buildings, handicapped parking areas, curb cuts, and other helpful information about the university. Paper copies of the Downloadable Accessibility Map are also available at the DSS Office or the Welcome Center. Fondren Library also has accessibility features marked on its online floor plans.

Parking on Campus
Parking spaces for the handicapped are located around the campus. Visitors can review locations of parking lots and spaces for the handicapped on the Downloadable Accessibility Map mentioned above which is linked on the campus map. Students, employees or visitors who have a concern about where to find spaces for the handicapped may contact the Director of Disability Support Services at 713- 348-5841 or the Parking Facilities Office at 713-348-2020 (parking@rice.edu).