The facilities
We strive to provide the best possible conditions for persons with disabilities to take advantage our libraries and reading rooms. We are committed to ensuring that disabilities do not limit student access to our library resources.
For this purpose, we introduced numerous improvements and equipped our libraries with specialized devices and software to assist persons with disabilities in using our learning materials, books and magazines. In addition, they can borrow more items at a time (10 books and 5 audiovisuals) and use them for longer periods (books can be borrowed for up to 42 days and audiovisual materials - for up to 28 days). Persons with disabilities are also entitled to borrow materials via an authorized person. For more information, contact the library staff.
Digital resources
Digitization of materials
Blind and visually impaired persons who are unable to read under magnification can apply to have selected learning materials available in paper or image file form converted into electronic files. In order to have materials digitized on demand, it is required to submit a request with the Centre for Accessibility and University Events or the appropriate Faculty Coordinator.
Request for digitization on demand must be submitted in writing (scanned copies are acceptable) and appended with a disability certificate or certificate from an ophthalmologist confirming loss of vision or inability to read traditional learning materials.
Access to digital resources
The Academic Digital Library (Pol. Akademicka Biblioteka Cyfrowa, ABC) - is a service that provides blind persons with learning materials adapted to their needs. The Academic Digital Library is a collection of books, magazines and teaching materials specifically adapted to the needs of blind readers. Owing to special adaptation procedures, the contents of these materials are fully accessible for such persons.
The ABC allows its users to search and browse through the collected resources. Simple and complex queries are possible with the user being able to browse by “author,” “title,” and “key words.” Browsing can be done by title and author. A simple and clear interface allows blind and visually impaired persons to navigate the system efficiently. In addition, visually impaired persons can choose between several GUI options allowing them to adapt the appearance of the site to their individual capabilities.
Specialised equipment
Our libraries also have specialized equipment that makes it easier for blind and visually impaired persons to use their resources or their own materials. If you need to use our specialized equipment, please notify the library staff who will assist you as needed.
Warsaw library
- =a computer workstation with specialised software (screen reader, speech synthesiser, magnification tool) and equipment for converting printed material into electronic form
- mini scanner for reading printed content
- VISIO+ desktop magnifier
- a computer workstation equipped with a hands-free computer mouse
Wrocław library
The facilities include a computer workstation equipped with specialised software (screen reader, speech synthesiser, a Daisy book reader) as well as equipment for converting printed material into electronic form.
Poznań library
The facilities in library include:
- a desktop magnifier
- a computer workstation equipped with specialised software (screen reader and speech synthesiser) and equipment for converting printed material into electronic form
- brailleSense Plus Qwerty notebook
- portable talking book player (4 pieces) - available for rental
Two of the classrooms (rooms 305 and 203) are equipped with inductophone loops to assist hearing aids with built-in inductophone coils. Students have the opportunity to rent a portable FM system (4 pieces) and a wireless Cros system.
For design students at the School of Form, there is an Eclipse desktop magnifier and a computer station equipped with the SuperNova Access Suite reader software, the Polish-language Ivona Reader speech synthesizer and the Fine Reader OCR converter. Students can also borrow a VisiKeys augmented keyboard and a portable BookSense XT player.
Sopot library
The facilities in the Sopot library include:
Request for digitization on demand must be submitted in writing (scanned copies are acceptable) and appended with a disability certificate or certificate from an ophthalmologist confirming loss of vision or inability to read traditional learning materials.
- multilektor - a reading device that can read out almost everything: mail, important documents, books and brochures, and many other materials. It inputs documents using the latest print recognition technology, then reads them in a clear, natural-sounding voice
Katowice library
The facilities in the Katowice library include a computer station equipped with an integrated magnification and reading program (ZoomText MagReader) and a compatible large-print keyboard.