The Libraries are here for you! Our staff is committed to helping you with all of your research needs and making your academic journey a success. We partner with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to ensure students can seek out the libraries as a resource and let us know when they run into challenges that limit their access to our services.
How we can help
Accessible materials
- Requesting other Formats (students)
The Libraries partners with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to provide alternate formats of research materials. Reach out to SAS to get started! Once you're established with SAS, you can use the form on our website to request accessible versions of items the library owns.
All members of W&M also have access to Blackboard's Ally Transformer tool in the "Assist" section of the Blackboard website. This service converts files into various accessible formats like PDF, audio mp3, electronic braille, and more.
- Copying and Scanning
Students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) can request the Libraries scan print items into a searchable PDF or rich text format accessible by a screen reader. Self-serve scanners are also available on the first floor of Swem across from the Makerspace.
- Digital Accessibility - Services & Collections
Highlighted here are the accessibility standards and practices that guide our library-created and library-provided digital content. Our work aligns with the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy, WCAG2.1 AA guidelines, and applicable library accessibility guidelines. These are the materials we provide as standard practice.
- Individuals with documented accommodations may request additional remediation.
- Request an accessible version of an SCRC digital collection asset (PDF, image, video, or audio).
What This Includes
This information applies to digital content we provide through services such as:
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
- eReserves
- Document Delivery
- Digital Special Collections and Archives
- Digitized materials from Special Collections (SCRC)
- Born‑digital content curated or produced by the library
Accessibility Practices We Follow
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Document Delivery and Lending requests received through ILLiad are scanned as searchable PDF files with our Bookeye 5 (BSCAN software) and delivered via Odyssey to the patron or requesting library.
Document Delivery PDF files and PDF files received through RapidILL and from other libraries are not remediated. Instead, an informational coversheet is added to the PDF stating “If the level of accessibility for this item is inadequate, please see https://www.wm.edu/sites/digitalaccessi… for remediation assistance.”
Course materials (eReserves) & Reformatting of library materials
These are practices we follow for digital copies produced for course materials through scans of print materials and reformatting of DVD/VHS media for use in Blackboard and the library catalog via eReserves. Compliance with copyright and fair use law must be met.
Digital copies of print materials are delivered as:
- A searchable text PDF file (OCR applied).
- Auto-Tagged PDF files (uncorrected tagging)
- Basic logical reading order that reflects the intended sequence of content.
- Language and document title settings.
The library is unable to supply:
- Alternative text (alt text) for images, charts, and figures, or appropriate marking as decorative.
- Accessible tables with headers and proper associations.
Reformatted media (DVD & VHS) are delivered as:
- MP4 version of film with appropriate subtitles (captioning).
- The digital version is made available through the library’s catalog, and faculty will receive a permalink to the item.
Document Delivery (patron-requested materials)
Patron requested materials via the library catalog are delivered as:
- A searchable text PDF file (OCR applied).
Digital Special Collections and Archives
The library digitizes and shares materials from the Special Collections Research Center’s holdings, making them available for online viewing and use. These collections feature rare and unique materials that support education, research, service, and creative expression. They include a wide range of formats, including visual materials, audio recordings, and moving images.
We strive for WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance and provide the following accessibility features as standard for digital materials produced from 2025-onward:
- Oral histories, videos, and audio content: Captioning and transcripts.
- Typescript and printed materials: Uncorrected OCR provided in PDF format.
- Photographs and visual materials: Alternative titles and descriptions.
- Topaz OCR
Our Topaz OCR computer enlarges text and images, reads pages aloud, and saves text in a variety of formats. The machine is on the first floor of Swem across from the IT Help Desk.
- Faculty Inquiries
Faculty can request the Libraries’ purchase materials in electronic format for a course. We will search for an electronic version with multi-user access to serve the entire campus. However, this may not be possible for many textbooks, depending on the publisher. See the Libraries’ textbook policy for information.
In accordance with copyright and ADA policies for accessibility, requests must be made by the individual in need of the accommodation. The Libraries cannot fulfill faculty requests on behalf of a student.
Research Services
- Research Consultations
Make an appointment with a research librarian for more in-depth research help. To ensure a research librarian will be available and prepared to assist you, please request a session in advance.
- Retrieving Materials
Request items through the catalog and pick them up at the Click & Collect shelves near the circulation desk at the front entrance of Swem.
- Reserve Extensions
You can extend the due date of your course reserves. Email swresv@wm.edu for help with this service.
- Resources for Teaching
William & Mary's Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation (STLI) provides a guide for faculty with information on making your courses accessible as well as helpful links to extend your learning about accessibility in teaching.
Spaces & Equipment
- Centering Spaces
Our Prayer, Meditation and Centering room on the 2nd floor of Swem has natural light, a white noise machine and sensory objects for when you need a quiet place. For short recharges, we have two pods on the first floor in Read & Relax with screens to block light and built-in speakers to cancel outside noise distractions.
- Equipment
The following resources are available at Swem:
- Magnifier and text-to-speech reader (Topaz)
- Macbook laptops
- Scanners
- Headphones
- Building Access
The Accessible Parking & Building Access page includes information about elevators, wheelchair access and the location of ADA ramps at the libraries.
Swem Library has an accessible entrance at the back of the building on Landrum Drive. There are two accessible parking spots directly across from this entrance, and several more in the parking lot directly behind Swem.
All members of the W&M community can use their ID to swipe in at the accessible entrance, or press the call button.
- Service Animals
For the safety and comfort of all who use the facility, only service animals are allowed in library buildings. Please check William & Mary’s Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Pets policy for full information.
Contact Us
For any questions, concerns or assistance you may need, please contact us:
- Email libraries@wm.edu
- Call 757-221-3072
- Visit the Circulation Desk