Effective Date: January 2019
Last Revised:
Review Period: 
Policy Owner: Library Director

The Schmidt library staff is committed to assisting all library users in finding information, developing strategies for conducting effective library research, and learning how to use the library and its resources. The Library provides services that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities and will attempt to accommodate the needs of users who identify as having a disability. Contact us at, infoservices@ycp.edu or 717.815.1304 with questions or with requests for the library to provide assistance.

:: Services Offered

Research Service
Reference staff will read brief sections from reference materials, and longer passages from reference materials as time permits. This includes definitions, directory entries, index citations, etc.

Research Appointments
Schedule an individual research appointment for research assistance or orientation to the Library and its resources.

E-Text or Audio File Availability
Some library databases and online reference sources now make audio versions of their text files available: Gale Virtual Reference Library, selected content in EBSCOHost. Ebrary has a build in text-to-speech setting. For more information contact research@ycp.edu or 717.815.1304. Reference staff can also assist in seeking access to e-books or other electronic texts. Library users are encouraged to suggest a purchase if an electronic version of a text is preferred.

Item Retrieval
Users unable to retrieve their own materials from the general stacks are encouraged to ask for assistance from the circulation staff.

Web Pages

:: Other Services

The Schmidt library is committed to serving persons with diverse disabilities who use assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from our collections and services. We will ensure that our employees are trained in the use of the various assistive devices that may be used by users with disabilities while accessing materials or services.

When delivering instructional sessions, Librarians will take into account the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

Use of Service Animals and Support Persons

• The Schmidt Library welcomes persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal to areas to which the public has access, and the animal is not otherwise excluded by law.
• While visiting the library, it is the responsibility of the person with a service animal to control the animal at all times.
• We will ensure that staff are trained in how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal. In the event a staff member or patron is allergic to animals, alternative arrangements will be negotiated.
• Persons with a disability may enter the Library accompanied by a support person and will have access to that support person at all times.

Notice of Temporary Disruption

The Schmidt library will make reasonable effort to provide patrons with notice in the event of a disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. In order to make information accessible the signs and printed notices will be clearly laid out, of sufficient size and easily readable. The signs and printed notices will be displayed prominently in the library.