Prioritizing accessible spaces in the CECH Library
By Madeleine Gaiser, Online Learning & Instruction Librarian
Since the fall of 2024, the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) Library has worked towards making their spaces and collections more inclusive and accessible for all learners. Following the update of the Accessible Tech Space in Langsam in 2024, the Study & Focus Tools Collection (SFTC) was launched and the reservable study room (400B) was re-imagined with inclusive improvements as part of the Reading Room renovation.
Small Swap with High Contrast
Inspired by the keyboards in Langsam’s Accessible Tech Space, high-contrast computer keyboards were installed in the CECH Library Info Commons, one for Mac and another for Windows. In addition, users may visit the library’s front desk to checkout accessible keyboards. These keyboards can be used by anyone, but may be especially beneficial for users with visual impairment.
Curating a Collection
The purpose of the Study & Focus Tools Collection (SFTC) is to provide study and sensory supports to all library users with minimal barriers. Unlike ‘sensory kits’ often found at public libraries and airports, the SFTC is designed for adults and items are available individually. CECH Library launched a survey in January 2025 to learn what kind of challenges students face and items they would like to see available in the library. Using that data and consulting scholarly literature, the SFTC was curated and the collection went live in October 2025. The SFTC is housed on the 3rd floor of CECH Library by the stairs, next to the mixed materials and games. The collection consists of small easel whiteboards, soundproof headphones, a variety of fidgets, weighted lap pads, blue light glasses and more. By housing the SFTC on the main floor and not behind a desk, library users can access the collection and explore items without a library staff member mediating their experience.
A Room for You
In keeping with the accessible and inclusive mission, the 400B study room was re-imagined as part of the 4th floor Reading Room renovation. It has its own set of SFTC items, available to anyone using the space, including fidgets, blue light glasses, a timer, white noise machine, soundproof headphones and more. To offset the white walls and make the space more inviting, colorful wall art was hung and the overhead light was put on a dimmer switch. An additional floor lamp has three independent LED lamp heads, allowing users to adjust both brightness and color temperature to best suit their needs. The space has multiple seating options, including a comfortable armchair and a wobble-board users can stand on.
The addition of accessible keyboards, curation of the SFTC and changes to 400B promote access and provide support. These resources allow all library users to improve their study experience, alleviate anxiety and discover beneficial tools. Not all students who would benefit from accommodations have access to them, and some students may forego accommodations avoid stigma. While the additions to CECH Library cannot replace academic accommodations, they can be a resource and refuge for everyone.
CECH Library’s newly renovated 4th floor Reading Room and re-imagined study room re-opened on January 20, 2026. The Reading Room entrance is equipped with an ADA button. UC community members with a Bearcat Card can enter the Reading Room directly from the 4th floor lobby in Teachers-Dyer Complex .
