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Accessibility

VCU Libraries is committed to providing equal access to library collections, services, and facilities for all library users. If services or collections aren't accessible, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and timely access to users with disabilities. For assistance, or if you have suggestions or comments, please contact us.

Outside of VCU Libraries, there are many more VCU accessibility resources.

James Branch Cabell Library, Monroe Park Campus

  • 901 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA 23284-2033
  • Phone: (804) 828-1111
  • Toll-free: (844) 352-7399
  • Email: library@vcu.edu

Wheelchair ramp on Park Avenue side of entrance. Accessible restrooms on all floors, including two oversized, universal restrooms on lower level (access by main elevators and turn left) and one restroom on the third floor (near the main elevators' service elevator). The Cabell Library Lactation Room is located on the fourth floor.

Computers and equipment

First Floor: 

  • A magnification device with adjustable contrast controls
  • SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance) with monitor and headphones that scans and reads printed materials; also reads Daisy audio books and audio CDs
  • A computer with a flatbed scanner and large keyboard keys

All public computers have NVDA accessible screen reader and Microsoft Magnifier screen magnification software.

A digital scanner is located on the first floor. This scanner offers:

  • Audio narration to guide you through the scanning process
  • High-contrast viewing mode
  • On-screen text magnification
  • Text converted to a M P 3 audio format
  • White-on-black screen

Health Sciences Library, MCV Campus

  • 509 North 12th Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0582
  • Phone: (804) 828-0636
  • Toll-free: (844) 352-7399
  • Email: askhsl@vcu.edu

Wheelchair accessible entrance located near 12th and Clay Street and accessible restrooms on the first floor. Lactation room located on the second floor.

Computers and equipment

 First Floor: One workstation

  • Special software: Jaws, Zoom Text
  • Hardware: Scanners

Digital scanners are located on the first and second floors. These scanners offer:

  • Audio narration to guide you through the scanning process
  • High-contrast viewing mode
  • On-screen text magnification
  • Text converted to a M P 3 audio format
  • White-on-black screen

All public workstations have NVDA accessible screen reader and Microsoft Magnifier screen magnification software. 

Library Services

Services for VCU students, faculty and staff 

Access to collections

  • Get digital access to print materials through HathiTrust accessibility program.
    • Visit HathiTrust in your web browser.
    • Log in:
      • Select "LOG IN."
      • In the "Select your institution" drop-down menu, select Virginia Commonwealth University.
      • Log in with your VCU eID and password.
    • Search for materials.
      • After you are logged in, you'll be sent back to the HathiTrust main page, where you can search for books.
      • Enter your keywords, search and find the item you wish to access.
    • Email us to get your copy.
  • Another way to gain easy access to what you need is to use  to request materials (articles, chapters, dissertations, theses, audio-visual materials, etc.). VCU Libraries will pull materials from its collection or borrow from other libraries at no charge to you.
    • Print and audio-visual materials will be mailed to your off-campus address.
    • Allow at least two business days to fill requests for items available in the VCU Libraries collection.
    • Items not available in the VCU Libraries collection will be borrowed from other libraries on your behalf and may take longer to fill. Allow up to 30 days to fill these requests.