Contact information

For accessibility questions concerning this building, please use our Ask Steenbock service. If you need a resource or accommodation that is not listed on this page, please email access-lib@lists.wisc.edu 

Accessing the Library

Building Map

• Building floor plans

Entrances

• Enter and exit the library from Babcock Drive (east side of the building facing Microbial Sciences). This entrance has an automatic set of doors (exterior and interior) that are operated using large button paddles. Passing through the first door will initiate the second door to open.
• Guests entering and exiting the building will pass through a security gate. This gate does not have a push bar or swinging barrier to impede entry.
• Campus accessible entrance list

Elevators

• There is one public elevator used to visit the four floors of the building.
• Speak with staff at the services desk on the entrance level (2nd floor) for assistance using the staff elevator in the event that the public elevator is undergoing service.

Parking and Transportation

Parking is available in the Observatory Drive Ramp (Lot 36), 1645 Observatory Drive. Lot 36 is a gated garage/ramp that requires a parking permit or payment upon exit. Visitors can take a ticket upon entry and pay by credit card at the exit gate. 

• The ramp has accessible stalls on all levels. An elevator is located in the northeast corner of the ramp. The campus Transportation Services division indicates that stalls are available on a “first-come, first-served basis”.
• The stalls on Level 2 are convenient to the bridge that connects to the entrance level of the library.
  • Winter conditions: Exit on Level 1 and take the Observatory Drive sidewalk to the library entrance. While there is an incline using this route, the sidewalk is quickly and regularly groomed by staff with campus facilities.  
• State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) disabled parking identification permits or with DIS and VET DIS plates may park in the accessible stalls. Note that some stalls may be restricted to UW Disabled permits only. For more information, please consult the Accessible Transportation Options page and details about parking.

• Campus accessible parking stall list and map
• Parking restrictions apply to Lot 36 on home game (football) Saturdays and occasionally during other large campus events. Permit holders will receive email notification in advance of restricted use with suggested, surface lot alternatives provided. Please see additional information about event parking.
• Bus 80 stops at the corner of Babcock and Observatory Drives (northeast of the library’s main entrance).

Emergency / Evacuation Procedures

• If you cannot self-evacuate for any reason, dial 9-1-1 and state your location. UWPD dispatchers will relay this information to responding personnel.
• Do not use the elevator in fire emergencies.
• In case of severe storms, seek shelter in interior spaces away from windows.

Interior Space Accessibility

Accessible Furniture

• One workstation as you enter the Annex in the middle row is also positioned on a labeled, height-adjustable table that can be raised or lowered using a manual crank. The Annex Lab is located on the 1st floor, northeast corner and adjacent to staff offices, Rooms 118, 119. 

Reservable Study Rooms and Spaces

• The Libraries have many reservable study spaces. Click here to make a reservation.
• Reservations for Conference Rooms 240 and 340 can be made by placing a request to staff. Submit the online request form or speak with staff at our services desk on the entrance level (2nd floor).
• Study rooms are unlocked. Conference rooms are locked and can be opened by staff at the services desk upon request. 

Quiet Spaces

• The 4th floor is a dedicated quiet study floor. Please note that due to occasional visits to stacks and to the Archives offices, the library is unable to maintain this area as a “silent” study space. 

Distraction-free Spaces

• A “Reflection Space” is found on the 3rd floor, along the east windows above our front entrance. This space is a mobile, screened privacy enclosure and is not sound-proof.

Restrooms

• There is a single-stall, all-gender accessible restroom on the entrance level (2nd floor) of the library.
• Men’s and women’s accessible restrooms are also available on the 4th floor.

Baby Changing Space

• There is a changing table in the single-stall, all-gender accessible restroom on the entrance level (2nd floor) of the library.

Inaccessible Spaces

• The Science Libraries Shelving Facility is a staff-only space in the basement of Steenbock Library. Library users affiliated with UW-Madison or who have a Community Borrowing Card can place a request from the online catalog record to have these items retrieved. Campus guests can place a request for retrieval by submitting the Shelving Facility Request form.

Lighting

• There is motion detection lighting in the BioCommons, Rooms 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D-F.

Technology

Steenbock Library has two computer labs with this accessibility software (Windows desktop):

• DoIT Infolab, 2nd floor (entrance level)
  • Kurzweil 3000: A comprehensive reading, writing, and learning software solution for any struggling reader, including individuals with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder or those who are English Language Learners. Windows desktop.
  • Fusion: Magnification and screen reading software. Windows desktop.
  • On-Screen Keyboard
  • ZoomText: Magnification and reading program designed for low-vision users. The magnifier/reader enlarges everything on the computer screen and automatically reads documents, web pages and email.  Windows desktop.
• Public computers on 2nd floor (entrance level) 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
• Annex Lab, 1st floor, northeast corner and adjacent to staff offices, Rooms 118, 119. One workstation as you enter the Annex in the middle row is also positioned on a labeled height-adjustable table that can be raised or lowered using a manual crank.

Services

Accessing Materials and Services

• Items can be requested and retrieved from the Science Libraries Shelving Facility and Rare Book Storage by placing a request using the online catalog or by speaking with staff at our services desk on the entrance level (2nd floor). Campus guests can request retrieval from the shelving facility by submitting the Shelving Facility Request form.