Accessibility at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries

Branch Libraries

The Libraries will, with advance notice, make accommodations for special needs of the research community. The services listed below are available now.
All branch libraries in the Washington, D. C., area are wheelchair accessible, as is the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum Branch in New York and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Branch in the Republic of Panama.
The branch library at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, is not accessible. The SERC Branch Librarian will work with disabled users to provide library services. Please call the Branch Librarian at 301-261-4190.

TTY number

202-357-2158. This number serves Central Reference and Loan Services Branch and the Smithsonian Institution Libraries' Director's Office. Inquiries will be forwarded to the appropriate branch library.

Large-print publications

All branch libraries have a large-type copy of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries User Guide at the circulation desk. In addition, branches with printed branch guides have large-type versions available at the circulation desks.

Printed Text Enlarger
The Libraries has an Optelec 20/20 Plus Video magnification system. Books and journal articles can be placed on it and the print or image is magnified to a size readable for the user.
This machine is now available on the Mall in the Museum Reference Center, a branch of Smithsonian Institution Libraries located in the Arts and Industries Building (next to the Castle). Upon advance request, the Libraries can arrange to have the equipment moved to another location for a user's convenience. To request, call 202-357-1940.
ZoomText Plus Software
When installed on a pc, this software magnifies text and images on the computer screen for users with visual impairment. The Libraries has installed this software at two locations: Central Reference and Loan Services, located in the National Museum of Natural History, and at the Museum Reference Center Branch Library, located in the Arts and Industries Building (next to the Castle). Additional copies are available by request for use throughout the SIL system. To request, call 202-357-1940.

The Smithsonian Institution Libraries strives to meet all accessibility guidelines in the design of its web pages.
Computer users are encouraged to adjust font size, using their browser's "set font" options.

The Gallery is wheelchair accessible.
A large print guide of the exhibition is available for use on site in the gallery. A second copy is available at the Constitution Avenue Information Desk. Please return the guide for the use of future visitors.
A Braille guide of the exhibition is available on site in the gallery. A second copy is available at the Constitution Avenue Information Desk. Please return the guide for the use of future visitors.
An online version of the hand-out brochure for the current exhibition is available at www.sil.si.edu.

Online. Information with full text and images, is available on the Smithsonian Institution Libraries Home Page. For larger font size, adjust your computer browser at "set font" options.
Large print. The text of the newsletter is available in large-print version. To request a copy call the Director's Office, 202-357-2240.

Lectures are held in wheelchair accessible areas.
With two weeks' advance notice, the Libraries will make arrangements for special accommodations at its public lectures and programs.