Available 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Additional Options

Accessibility at Special Collections

This page contains accessibility information specific to the Department of Special Collections in Memorial Library. Special Collections is located on the ninth floor of Memorial Library; for additional accessibility information, see Accessibility at Memorial Library. For general accessibility information about all UW-Madison Libraries, see Accessibility.

Contact Information

For accessibility questions for this building, please use our Ask a Librarian service. If you need a resource or accommodation that is not listed on this page, please email accommodation-request@library.wisc.edu

Accessing the Library

Entrances

Elevators

Take elevator #5 to floor 9R:

  • Elevator 5 is located to the right of the main three elevators, and is labeled “Special Collections and South Stacks.” Typically, there is also a banner for Special Collections standing near the elevator door.
  • Elevator 5 is accessible to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, with occasional extended hours for special events.

Alternatively, take elevator #4 to floor 9R:

  • This elevator only becomes operational to the public when unlocked by staff, generally when Elevator 5 is out of service.
  • Please alert library staff at one of the service desks on the first floor of Memorial Library if Elevator 5 is not operating properly.

Parking & Transportation

  • Visitor parking is available at the following locations:
  • State Street Campus Garage located on Frances Street, just South of University.
  • Lot 6 located under Helen C. White Hall from N. Park St entrances.
    • Visitor Parking is available Lot 6 (Street Level lot) at all times, but is often Full. 
    • Visitor parking is available in Lot 6 (Lower Level lot) on evenings and weekends.
    • Visitor Parking availability
  • Campus accessible parking stall list and map

Emergency / Evacuation Procedures

  • The 9th floor atrium space in front of Elevator 5 is an Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA).
  • The landing of any stairwell on the 9th floor is also an Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA).
  • Areas of Rescue Assistance in Memorial Library are in the main elevator lobbies, or stairwells adjacent to the main elevator lobbies. Each elevator lobby has a red landline telephone that can be used to contact 911 directly without dialing. Directions detailing how to receive assistance are listed on each phone.

Interior Space Accessibility

Accessible Furniture

  • One table in the reading room is set at an accessible height for users with wheelchairs or other assistive devices
  • One table in the classroom is set at an accessible height for users with wheelchairs or other assistive devices
  • Multiple armless chairs are available in both the reading room and the classroom

Reservable Study Rooms and Spaces

  • The Special Collections classroom can be reserved for class visits and tours, special events, and staff meetings. Please make reservations using this form. When making a reservation, please be sure to include any accessibility requests.
  • Special Collections does not have any reservable study rooms or study spaces.
  • The Libraries have many other reservable study spaces. Click here to make a reservation.

Quiet Spaces

Our reading room is intended only for the quiet study of Special Collections materials. This is not a general study space; visitors must be actively engaged with Special Collections materials while using it.

Lighting

A reading lamp is available to users upon request.

Technology

The Department of Special Collections has three computer workstations. One is publicly accessible, and two require a NetID. All three have the following software; follow the Accessibility icon on desktop to access settings and software:

  • On-Screen Keyboard
  • Screen Magnifier
  • Narrator (will require using wired earbuds/ear-phones)
  • Color Contrast

Services

Accessing Materials and Services

We require materials to be requested through the library catalog using an Archives and Special Collections Account. We prefer that patrons make an account and request materials prior to visiting the department. Patrons who have any difficulties or need help creating their account are welcome to reach out to us prior to visiting. We can also help patrons create an account and make requests once they arrive.