The Gerstein Science Information Centre strives to provide a universally accessible experience to the library and its facilities, resources, and collections.

We recognize that barriers remain for some users, and we aim to address these inequities through providing alternative arrangements and supports for our users who may need them.

How to request accessibility support:

Please email us 48 hours ahead of time with a request for help.

Outline the nature of the assistance required and the deadline.

Each person’s request is considered individually.

If advance notice is not possible:

When you arrive, please identify yourself to a staff member at the Public Service Desk or via the intercom if arriving at the Accessibility entrance.

Outline the nature of the assistance required and the deadline.

Library staff will attempt to assist you as quickly as possible.

It may be necessary for you or your facilitator to return at a later time or to refer you elsewhere.

Accessible entrance:

The barrier-free entrance on King's College Circle to Gerstein Science Information Centre is located to the left of the main entrance (under the blue canopy)

Once at the door, please press the intercom button and a member of staff will open the entrance. If this button is not accessible to you, please call 416-946-5227.

Wheel Trans or other accessible vehicles should drop off patrons outside this location. Drop-off signage is visible from the road leading up to the temporary barrier-free entrance. These vehicles should enter and exit King’s College Circle via Anatomy Lane. Access to Anatomy Lane is via southbound along Queens Park Crescent West.

For more campus accessibility information, please consult:

Study spaces:

We offer a variety of spaces for individual and group study. Some spaces may not be barrier-free, and alternative arrangements may need to be made with our staff.

Wheelchair-accessible large study areas and rooms include:

Heritage Reading Room (main floor)
Wallace Room (main floor)
Morrison Pavilion (all five floors)
Journal and book stacks are accessible by elevator

Wheelchair-accessible study rooms include:

Marvin Gerstein room (main floor)
Room 1230 (main floor)
Room B172 - prioritized for people with wheelchairs (1-Below)
Rooms B170A, B173, B174, B175 (1-Below)
Please note: The second-floor Heritage Wing group study rooms and lounge are not wheelchair accessible.
For room descriptions, capacities, and to book a study room (UTORid required), please use the Room booking tool.

To locate accessible spaces at Gerstein, use the Find a Space tool.

Accessible washrooms:

All-gender washrooms, equipped with self-opening doors and emergency alarms. Facilities are available on three floors of Gerstein in the following locations

Locations:

1-below: adjacent to the accessible entrance, just inside the door on the right

Main floor: south end of the building near the entrance to the journal stacks

Second floor: to the north of the public elevator

Emergency exits:

It is recommended that visitors with accessibility needs inform staff at the Public Service Desk of their presence and intended location in the building, so that assistance can be provided in case of emergency.

Select washrooms are equipped with self-opening doors and emergency alarms.

Computers, software, and other assistive technologies:

All Gerstein computer workstations are equipped with assistive technology including ZoomText Fusion (ZoomText + JAWS) and Kurzweil 3000 screen reading software.

Accessible workstation locations are available throughout the library.

Need some other types of assistive technology?

We offer technology loans, including phone/laptop chargers and headphones at our Public Service Desk (main floor).

For additional assistive technologies available at other libraries, including laptops, check out the Library Accessibility Office

Accessibility services at Gerstein Library

How to access

More information

Service area:

Associated libraries: