Accessibility at Western Libraries

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Western Libraries is committed to a positive and accessible learning experience for all. Making accessible digital content means equal access to education, the services we provide, and above all, the Western experience.

Report an Accessibility Issue

If you encounter an accessibility issue or barrier, please complete our webform:

Report an Accessibility Barrier

Contacts: Andy Peterson, Web Developer and Curt Pavia, Learning Technologist

Library Facilities

Entrances

Haggard: 

  • Button activated entrances are located at all entrances (High Street, Red Square, below skybridge sides of Haggard). 

Wilson:

  • For wheelchair users, please enter through Haggard (below skybridge) and take elevator to the right (to the 2nd floor) and go across skybridge into Wilson.  

Elevators 

Haggard

  • Entrance below skybridge – elevator is on the right as you enter Haggard for access to 2nd floor.
  • High Street entrance (elevator on the right) after entering provides access to west side of Haggard (to 2nd and 3rd floor classrooms, labs and study area – but not library). 

Wilson

  • Elevator across from Zoe’s on 2nd floor (access to 1-5 floors)
  • Elevator on 2nd floor (near Skybridge/The Corner) allows access to 2-6 floors.
  • Elevator on 2nd floor (near Maps) allows access to 1-5 floors. 

Evacuation (emergency): 

  • Area of Rescue – Wilson south stairwells floors 2-6. Stairwell is equipped with an emergency call button to contact University Police. In the event of a building evacuation certain library staff are designated as floor wardens and can assist in directing individuals into Areas of Refuge and relaying location information to emergency responders.
  • Secure stairwells – in Haggard are safe waiting areas for rescue. Stairwell is located on east side of 2nd and 3rd floor through emergency exit alarmed door that will notify the Circulation desk. Floor wardens on each floor can assist in escorting individuals to the secure stairwell and to call for help. 

Restrooms 

Service Animals 

  • Only service animals are allowed in Western Libraries. 

Quiet Floors 

  • The 4th and 5th floors of Wilson are quiet floors for studying.

The following video (4:48) compares the paths needed to enter Zoe's Bookside Bagels in Wilson Library via wheelchair and walking. 

We have identified this as an accessibility barrier and reported it to the facilities department at WWU. A proposal for resolving this barrier was submitted in Jan. 2025.

The Goltz-Murray Archive Building (AB) is located at 808 25th St. in Bellingham.

Accessible entrance:

  • A button activated entrance is located on the east side of the building 

Notes:

  • An accessible restroom is located on first floor
  • An elevator provides access to both floors
  • Accessible parking to east
  • Gender neutral restrooms available in AB204 and AB208

Additional building information is available, such as floor plans and maps.

Accessible entrance:

A button activated entrance is located through the Performing Arts Center (from the Plaza). Use far left-hand lobby door. Elevator is located to the right to the Music Library (Floor 2).

Notes:

  • Accessible restrooms are located on Lower Level 2 (LL 2) using elevator from Music Library.
  • Gender Neutral Restroom is available in the Performing Arts Center (PA 390). Accessible entrance is located at the southeast corner of the building (from High Street).  Take elevator up one level to Floor 3.

Parking Information:

Accessible parking to the east (Lot 11G) see WWU Map for further information.

Use Western Libraries Find a Space (online tool with maps, photos and information) to find library study spaces and services

Traveling to the Library: 

  • Bus stop – Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) has a bus stop on High Street in front of Haggard Hall. 
  • Campus map – This map shows accessible routes on campus 

Parking 

Library Services & Technology

Borrowing materials

Upon request, library staff at the circulation desk on the second floor of Haggard will assist with the retrieval of books and media.

Returning materials

  • Drive up book drop in parking lot 11G, available 24-hours.
  • Walk-up drop box under the skybridge on Wilson, available 24-hours.
  • Circulation desk (Haggard 2)
  • Course reserves need to be returned to the reserves return slot at the circulation desk.

Please visit the circulation desk on Haggard 2 for information on wheelchair accessible desks and computer stations. 

The majority of the library's online databases and journals provide a help or accessibility section, which often contain search tips, screen reader compatibility, and more. Each database or journal help or accessibility section will look different and contain varying levels of content. If you have any issues or questions, please contact library.collections@wwu.edu.

Third Party Information Vendors

Western  Libraries  provides access to  eresources ( databases, ejournals,  and  ebooks ) through  third-party vendors that  may not conform fully to accessibility standards. While we continue to work with vendors on long-term solutions, if  you  encounter  an accessibility issue,  contact library.collections@wwu.edu  and we will contact  the vendor to request an accessible version  of the needed resource.  

If the vendor is unable to meet a remediation  need, students will be referred to  Western’s Disability Access Center.  

Faculty and staff may work with their departments to fund remediation efforts, opt to find accessible works, or use the following resources for support: