SMU Libraries are committed to providing resources for students with disabilities, creating open dialogue in order to better serve all users, and increasing access to our spaces and services. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us or submit anonymous suggestions on our feedback form.
Check Out Materials
SMU students, faculty, and staff can have items pulled and ready for you to check out at the desk.
- For Fondren, Hamon and Bridwell Libraries, request through Library Search. View our FAQ for instructions.
- For Underwood Law Library, use the Ask a Librarian form.
If you cannot come into a library to check out materials you can:
- Designate a proxy to checkout library material on your behalf.
- Have library materials delivered to you.
- Curbside pickup at Fondren, Hamon, or Bridwell Libraries.
- Request scans of articles and book chapters through Interlibrary Loan.
Return Materials
You can return materials to any library desk or book drop. If you would like to return your materials by mail, please use the shipping address on our Checkout & Renew page. If none of these options work for you, email libraryaccess@smu.edu or call the library desk.
Request Accessible Materials
Scanned Articles and Book Chapters
Request remediated articles and book chapters through Interlibrary Loan. Select the screen reader option on the request form and we will send a compatible scan.
Online Books
If you have a documented print disability, we can request online versions of books in the HathiTrust Digital Library through the HathiTrust Accessible Text Request Service. Email us to access these books or for assistance finding what is available.
Braille Service
We can translate and print materials into Braille for SMU students, faculty, staff, and SMU departments upon request. Email us your request or make an appointment to use the Braille embosser in Fondren Library.
Research Help
Research help is available at all libraries on campus. Online research help is available via email or chat. Librarians also offer Zoom research consultations for in-depth research needs. Visit Ask Us for help.
Software & Technology
For accessibility software and technology questions, or to schedule an appointment for technology help, please email libraryaccess@smu.edu. Software & technology can be moved to different library locations upon request.
ClearView Magnifier
Magnifies print materials. We have magnifiers in Bridwell Library, DeGolyer Library, Hamon Arts Library, Fondren Library, and Underwood Law Library.
Braille Embosser
Embosser with Duxbury Translation Software prints text into tactile braille cells. Located in Fondren Library by appointment. Email libraryaccess@smu.edu for assistance.
Assistive Software Computers
Each library on campus has a computer with assistive software. Ask at the library's desk for help locating the computer or to check out headphones with a microphone for use with the assistive software.
- Fondren Library 2nd floor. High-contrast, large-print keyboard.
- Hamon Arts Library, 1st floor study carrel
- Bridwell Library, lower basement
- DeGolyer Library, Reading Room
- Underwood Law Library, 3rd floor
Available Software
Kurzweil 3000/Firefly
Kurzweil reads and translates text aloud, and has a text highlighter, talking spell checker, note-taking capabilities, and dictionary. SMU students with a documented disability may sign up for an account at DASS. Other SMU students, faculty, and staff can email for an account libraryaccess@smu.edu. May be downloaded on personal computers.
Zoom Text Magnifier & Reader
ZoomText magnifies computer screen displays up to 36 times and has a screen reader function.
JAWS Screen Reader
JAWS provides speech and braille output to enable blind or low vision users to read content online.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Voice-to-text software allows you to speak into a microphone and create a document or email.
Study Rooms
For a list of low-distraction study spaces in the libraries, go to the Places to Study page and filter by Quiet. You can reserve a group or individual study space. If you need assistance reserving or accessing these spaces, Ask Us.
Building Details
Maps
- SMU Campus Accessible Parking Map
- Library Building Maps and Floor Plans
- Owen Arts Center map (Hamon Arts Library)
Bridwell Library
It may be difficult for some patrons to navigate the stacks in the basement due to their narrow width and high shelves. You are welcome to place a hold on any items to be picked up at the main desk.
Entrances
Bridwell Library has one main entrance on the south side of the building, which has a ramp and automatic door openers. Accessible parking is available in the lot north of the building. If you park in this lot, ring for entrance at the north door.
Elevators
There are two elevators. The south elevator has access to the upper basement, first, and second floors. The north elevator accesses the lower basement and first floor. There is a ramp to connect the upper and lower levels of the basement. Special Collections on the second floor is accessible by the north elevator, but guests must be accompanied by a staff member.
Restrooms
Each floor has ADA compliant restrooms with a handicap stall. Unisex bathroom in the basement with changing table.
Business Library
Entrances
The Business Library is located on the first floor of the Maguire building. The accessible entrance is on the north side of the building, second floor. Take the elevator to the first floor.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located outside the library on the first floor of Maguire.
DeGolyer Library
DeGolyer Library is on the 3rd floor of Fondren Library. The south entrance to the building (facing Hughes-Trigg) is the closest to DeGolyer Library. The library can only be accessed by the stairs or elevator behind the OIT Help Desk.
Fondren Library
Entrances
Fondren Library has five entrances. We recommend entering the building from the Laura Bush Promenade via the Main Desk entrances, which are accessible entrances with automatic door openers. The south entrance facing the Hughes-Trigg Student Center also has an automatic door opener and a ramp.
Elevators
Each section of the building has elevator access to all floors.
Restrooms
• Three ADA-compliant, unisex, single access restrooms – Main Desk area and 1st floor near OIT/Hughes-Trigg entrance
• Men’s and women’s restrooms with one accessible stall – Fondren 1, 2, 3, 4
Hamon Arts Library
Entrances
We recommend using the west Hillcrest entrance between Binkley and Granada. There are automatic door openers at the entrance to the building and the entrance to the library.
Elevators
Elevator in the main lobby of Hamon Arts Library connects to all floors.
Restrooms
1st floor restrooms are ADA compliant with accessible stalls.
Underwood Library
Entrances
The Underwood Law Library building has two accessible entrances, west and east.
Elevators
• Ground Floor - Located in northeast corner. Goes to ground, 1st, and 2nd floors.
• Second Floor - Located to the right of the entrance from the 2nd floor lobby. Goes to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.
Restrooms
One accessible restroom on the ground floor in the hallway leading to the SMU Law Review offices.
Events
Any person who requires a reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability in order to participate in an SMU Libraries program should contact the event coordinator or libraryaccess@smu.edu at least one week prior to the event to arrange for the accommodation.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in all SMU Libraries.
Special Collections
DeGolyer, Bywaters, and Bridwell Special Collections include non-circulating material that may be old, fragile, or rare that may require additional support when in use. We are committed to providing accommodations for our patrons. Please contact libraryaccess@smu.edu ahead of your planned visit, so that we can make sure we are able and equipped to meet your research and accessibility needs.
Website Accessibility
If you cannot access content or use features on the SMU website due to a disability, contact web-accessibility@smu.edu.
The University’s preferred standard is WCAG 2.0 Level A. Many of our collections and online materials are maintained by third-party vendors and may not meet the minimum standard required by SMU. Contact us to report barriers using our collections or to request accessible materials.
SMU Libraries participates in the Library Accessibility Alliance through our membership in the Greater Western Library Alliance. The Library Accessibility Alliance engages with vendors to improve usability of online resources for all users, including third-party accessibility evaluations of library e-resources.