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Research Guides

Accessibility and Sensory Guide to Bizzell Memorial Library

Ramps and stairs within floors

The entrance to the Learning Lab on Lower Level 1 is elevated. This area can be accessed, however, by elevators located on the south side of the main level.  There are also ramps on each side of the steps.

  • The west entrance has no stairs.
  • South entrance stairs
    • Two stair steps to south entrance entryway area with railings.  A grip strip has worn off.
    • Entryway between outer and inner doors has a flat low-pile rug. 
    • then eight steps with railings to the main floor, with a grip on each step.

The 4th floor has a small set of stars between the 1958 and 1982 editions. On either side of these stairs are ramps. 

Elevators

  • The west side elevators access floors LL2 up through the 5th floor (all seven floors of the 1982/west section).
  • The east side elevators access floors LL1 up through the 4th floor (five floors of the 1958/east section). 
  • The only elevator for accessing the Great Reading Room is located in the book decks on the south side of the library. 

Accessible doors

  • For assistance with doors, you can call circulation (405) 325-3341), who will send a student worker or security to help you.
  • Restroom doors
    • Please check the Restrooms page for lighter doors on Main, Lower level 1, and Lower level 2.
    • We recognize that it can be uncomfortable to have to call for entering and existing for restrooms and going in and out of a study area. We as individuals cannot fix the building right now so we are happy to do what we can to help you navigate the building comfortably.

  • One automatic door series is located at the west entrance with two doors.  On rare occasions, a strong west wind will make these inaccessible.  In that case, please wave to get Security's attention or call Circulation at 405-325-3341.

  • Please check the Restrooms page for lighter doors on Main, Lower level 1, and Lower level 2.

  • Fire doors between the 1920s section and 1958 section usually have two doors propped open.
  • 1982 (west) section doors to the stairwell are usually open when the library is open and a fire alarm is not in progress.
  • Doors to larger study rooms (3rd floor west, 2nd floor north) are usually open
  • Restrooms: Custodial services often props doors open after cleaning to make them easier to access for patrons, but not consistently.  Please check the Restrooms page for lighter doors on Main, Lower level 1, and Lower level 2.

  • The doors to the south entrance of the library are quite heavy.
  • The Great Reading Room doors swing shut on their own, but are not as heavy as most other doors in Bizzell.
  • Study Rooms/Zarrow Lounge: The doors to study rooms are glass with a push bar. This is also true for the entrances to the Zarrow Family Faculty and Graduate Student Center. 
  • Restrooms: Custodial services often props doors open after cleaning to make them easier to access for patrons, but not consistently.  Please check the Restrooms page for lighter doors on Main, Lower level 1, and Lower level 2.