News & Blog

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Celebrating Accessibility in the Libraries

All Libraries, Diversity & Inclusion Posted: May 16th, 2024

In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 16th, the UCF Libraries is highlighting its commitment to providing an inclusive environment with services and resources for all users, including those with disabilities.

The purpose of GAAD is to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for the over one billion people worldwide with disabilities and impairments. Digital accessibility enables those with disabilities to independently access and interact with digital applications and content.

The UCF Libraries offer a range of accessibility services:

Document Delivery Assistance: Patrons with sensory or physical disabilities can request assistance in retrieving materials from our shelves.
Access to Digital Books via HathiTrust: For those unable to use printed materials, digital versions of books are available through HathiTrust.
Service Animal Accommodations: We adhere to policies regarding service animals and emotional support animals.
Assistive Technology Workstations: Specialized software and equipment are available on many of our workstations.
Support for STARS (Libraries’ Institutional Repository): Assistance when submitting digital scholarship and more.
Wheelchair Accessible Study Rooms: Providing accessible study spaces.
WCAG-Compliant Website: Our website adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. standards.

Our commitment extends beyond the library walls. We continue to work closely with campus partners like Student Accessibility Services and the Office of Institutional Equity to meet the latest accessibility guidelines, including the new Department of Justice rules requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance which applies to all web content and mobile applications.

Rachel Vacek, Associate Dean for Technology and Digital Strategies, has experience working with and advocating for accessibility at previous institutions. She has been a driving force in changing the culture since arriving at the UCF Libraries in August 2023.

“We need a more holistic and focused effort on accessibility and universal design within the Libraries, taking an accessibility-first approach looking across both physical and virtual needs. This reflects our dedication to continue making the Libraries the most inclusive and welcoming space for everyone on campus,” said Vacek.

Other efforts in the Libraries include having employees on the UCF Council on Accessibility, providing accessible instruction and workplace accommodations, and advocating for vendor products to be accessible. The Libraries are also active in the Library Accessibility Alliance.

In April 2022, an accessibility task force was created in response to the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Vacek has since transitioned the task force to a committee signifying the Libraries’ long-term commitment to accessibility and universal design, underscoring that accessibility is a continuous journey rather than a finite task.

The UCF Libraries strive to support all users and we welcome your questions in-person at one of the service desks or by email at liba11y@ucf.edu. Review our full list of accessibility services on our website for more detailed information.

UCF’s Inaugural Open Ed Live Event Showcased Faculty Support for Open Education

All Libraries, STARS Digital Repository, Textbook Affordability Posted: May 7th, 2024

UCF’s inaugural Open Ed Live event was held online earlier this year and brought together higher ed teaching faculty, librarians, and instructional designers to explore the boundless opportunities of open education. The event was hosted online by the Division of Digital Learning along with members of UCF Libraries, UCF Bookstore, and the UCF Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs.

Recordings and files from Open Ed Live are now available in STARS, UCF’s institutional repository hosted by the UCF Libraries.

The presentations illustrate how much open education has evolved in a relatively short time. Highlights from these sessions include thoughtful discussions on artificial intelligence, balancing open initiatives with inclusive access programs, and a panel of students who actively advocated for open educational resources (OER) at UCF. While textbook affordability remains one of the key appeals of OER, what is striking about these presentations is the progression of OER from the realm of affordability into open scholarship and pedagogy.

John Venecek, UCF Humanities Librarian, shares his perspective:

My first foray into OER was a decade ago when there was still a lot of skepticism about open access (OA). Most instructors were reluctant to abandon traditional textbooks in favor of something as nebulous as an OER. One of the few exceptions was Dr. Christian Beck (English) who worked with a team of librarians and instructional designers to create an open anthology for his Medieval Literature course. This anthology, which we made freely available to students, has been a resounding success. Since the project launched in 2016, the anthology has been used in dozens of classes reaching hundreds of students while saving them thousands of dollars. 

Since that initial project, I have worked on several similar ventures, including the design of an open course entitled Strategies for Conducting Literary Research with Dr. Barry Mauer (English). The more I have delved into OER, the more my focus has shifted from the principles of equity and access, which remain important, to exploring innovative approaches to employing the OER model as a form of student engagement, inclusive pedagogy, digital storytelling, and social justice.

As former UCF colleague CJ Ivory states in the description of her book, Using Open Educational Resources to Promote Social Justice, “OER have the potential to celebrate research done by marginalized populations in the context of their own communities, to amplify the voices of those who have the knowledge but have been excluded from formal prestige networks, and to engage students as co-creators of learning content that is relevant and respectful of their cultural contexts” (Ivory & Pashia, 2022). I have begun implementing these ideas by creating courses that encourage students to play a more an active role as co-creators. In so doing, OER are uniquely positioned to highlight varying perspectives, amplify marginalized voices, promote integrative learning, and emphasize empathy as a research skill.

Some of the same campus units that organized the Open Ed Live event are available to help UCF faculty explore and adopt OER. To learn more about OER, see the library guide on OER. For faculty with questions or specific support needs, please submit a response to the OER Contact Form.

Diamond’s Hidden Gems – De-Stress in the Library

Events, John C. Hitt Library Posted: April 16th, 2024

The University of Central Florida hosts a variety of resources designated to making sure students are emotionally, mentally, and physically well. The need for these services only increases around finals, where students tend to forgo their well-being in order to prioritize time for studying and certain grades.

The UCF Library will be hosting two events that will allow students to shed the stress and anxieties that come with preparing for and taking course finals.

The first event is Cookies and Coloring. The organizers have intended this event to be a giant thank you, where they share their appreciation for your utilization of library services and express that you are always welcome in the space. Enjoy cookies, drink offerings, and the summery atmosphere. Coloring pages, crayons, and coloring pencils will be provided. This will be the second time this event has been held, and attendees are welcome to provide feedback! This event will be held on April 25 from 7 pm to 9 pm in Room 402 in the John C. Hitt Library.

The second event is Random Acts of Snacks. During finals week, library employees will distribute small, free snacks throughout the John C. Hitt Library to help fuel finals preparation. Keep in mind that Random Acts of Snacks is, indeed, random; there are no particular times or room numbers to be aware of. Instead, keep an eye out for a friendly face (and their snacks) as you study during the week.

Diamond’s Hidden Gems – KRAM for the Exam

All Libraries Posted: April 9th, 2024

Taking your course finals is a necessary part of your academic journey, and preparing for them is a vital step. This includes more than just reviewing your notes and memorizing information. Preparing includes ensuring that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically sound enough to withstand long exam periods and apply the knowledge you have spent the semester collecting. The UCF Student Government (SG) hosts events intended to help you with this process!

Founded on the idea of raising awareness about the stress students face during finals, KRAM for the Exam events encourage realistic expectations for individuals who may forgo their emotional, physical, and mental well-being in order to prioritize their grades.

This semester’s KRAM for the Exam includes a “Stress-Free Stroll” on Monday, April 15 from 11 am to 1 pm at Memory Mall and a “Coffee Break” on Wednesday, April 17 from 11 am to 1 pm by the stairwell on the 3rd floor of the John C. Hitt Library.

To know when and where these events are planned, follow the UCF SG social media accounts and visit the SG Events website. If you have any questions about KRAM for the Exam events, please contact the UCF Student Government at (407) 823-3291, sgafrontdesk@ucf.edu, or visit Room 346 of the Student Union.

Navigate to “Diamond’s Hidden Gems – KRAM for the Exam” in STARS to view the full version of this post and learn about past KRAM for the Exam events.

Zen Zones

All Libraries, John C. Hitt Library Posted: April 8th, 2024

The library has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet place to study, reflect, or enjoy a fun read, these spaces are perfect for you! Check out these tranquility tips for activating your calm in the John C. Hitt Library.

Quiet Booths

In our bustling library, we are proud to offer students a portal to peace. As you walked through the building, you may have noticed Quiet Booths strategically placed throughout the library. These sound reducing booths are located across various floors for individual use. The Quiet Booths, offer an opportunity of uninterrupted focus and concentration. Each booth has USB-A and USB-C ports, perfect for charging a personal device. The booths are a perfect pairing of comfort and function providing a great way to study, participate in a short online meeting, or engage in a moment of solitude.

Tip: Quiet Booths are located on floors 1, 3,4, & 5

Silent Study (5^th Floor)

Welcome to the highest and quietest floor of the John C. Hitt Library. The 5^th Floor, which occupies the half of the building by the Legacy entrance, is where silence blends with concentration and calm to create the perfect study space. Rustling pages, soft key typing, and soft pen strokes make up the soundtrack. The 5^th floor houses several ergonomic seating and focus options designed for extended study sessions. The 5^th floor is more than just a study space, it is a sanctuary for those seeking serenity in the center of a very busy campus.

Tip: Patrons can access the 5^th floor from our Citronaut, Puff, and Vinny stairwells or elevators 1 – 5.

Study Carrels and Earplugs

Two women with ear plugs sitting and laughing while reading on a blue upholstered chair

For those looking for a quiet experience in a busier location, the library offers free earplugs upon request. With earplugs as your truest sidekick, you’ll become comfortable with the ability to transform the busiest floors into your own sanctuary. Floors 1 – 3 offer individual seats and study carrels that paired with earplugs can become a subdued study haven. Earplugs help block out environmental sounds, allowing patrons to focus on their studies without distraction. The activity around you and the sight of your peers also studying often makes a great backdrop to increase motivation and competition of focused work.

Tip: Visitors can request earplugs from any service desk at all of the Libraries.

Study Rooms

Interested in group study? Check out our study spaces available at all branches of UCFLibraries. Room sizes and usage policies vary across locations so check out the most up to date information on our website.

Tip: Study rooms can be reserved in advance.