Accessibility
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 the Building
Accessible UF Campus Map
For accessible entrances, ADA parking, ADA routes and bus stops, select ‘ADA accessibility’ on the Campus map.
Smathers Library (East) Elevator: When entering the building, the elevator is located at the far end of the first-floor lobby hallway.
Accessibility Technology
Equipment
Smathers Library provides KIC Bookeye Scanners in the 2nd floor, Grand Reading Room, and on the 3rd floor in the Latin American and Caribbean Collection.
Smathers Library (East) Accessibility Liaison: Keith Manuel
Inclusive Spaces
Wheelchair Accessible + Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
Smathers Library (SMA)
1st floor, 21A, South Tower past double doors near the men’s room
2nd floor, 202B, North Tower
3rd floor, 305A, North Tower
Further Assistance
- Additional accessibility services from the UF Libraries
- UF Disability Resource Center
- Campus general assistance: DRCAccessUF@ufsa.ufl.edu
- UF ADA Office
- 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.
- Information about accessible on-campus parking decals can be found at Transportation and Parking Services webpage.
- TTY 1-800-955-8771 or dial 711 and ask for any library phone number listed on our Contact Us page
IDEA Through Our Work
The George A. Smathers Libraries seek to promote intercultural understanding and acceptance among library users and library staff by educating, empowering, and creating self-awareness in the context of a global society. We will leverage the Libraries’ expertise, programs, collections, and services to foster an environment of inclusion and equality with fairness, appreciation for individual differences, and respect for all.
The Department of Special & Area Studies Collections (SASC) seeks to collect materials that reflect the breadth of human experience in support of the educational mission of the University of Florida. We are committed to acquisition practices that reflect sound stewardship of institutional and community resources. We practice ongoing review of existing collections to ensure diversity and inclusion in description, access, and outreach. Curators collaborate across collections to better represent distinct and overlapping identities and experiences, and to redress gaps in individual collections or across collections.
Action Steps identified:
- As language matters, SASC is assessing archival descriptions to generate finding aids respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use and are represented in the collections. Click here to view our current Description Guidelines.
Questions? Contact special@uflib.ufl.edu