News & Blog

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. 

We are delighted to share some thrilling news with you all! After much anticipation and planning, we are gearing up for a significant transformation within our library. That is right – the Fourth Floor is about to undergo a comprehensive renovation!

Closing for Renovation: June 1st, 2024

Beginning June 1st, 2024, the Fourth Floor will temporarily close its doors to make way for an exciting two-year renovation project. While we understand that this may bring some initial disappointment to those who frequent this space, we assure you that the end result will be well worth the wait.

What Can You Expect?

Picture this: a revitalized Fourth Floor boasting a brand new Tech Studio with podcasting and video shooting studios, more study rooms, new silent study area, and conference rooms designed to elevate your library experience to new heights. From cutting-edge technology upgrades to expanded study spaces, innovative learning zones, and breathtaking design elements – the possibilities are endless!

Temporary Changes

During the renovation period, access to the Fourth Floor will be restricted. However, fear not! The fifth floor silent study will remain fully operational and accessible to all patrons during construction.

Stay Connected

We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Be sure to follow us on social media or check our website regularly for updates, sneak peeks, and progress reports on the renovation process. Your support and patience are greatly appreciated as we work diligently to bring our vision for the Fourth Floor to life.

A Future of Possibilities

As we embark on this journey of transformation, we invite you to join us in envisioning the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will create a space where knowledge thrives, curiosity is sparked, and lifelong learning flourishes.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can not wait to unveil the exciting new chapter in the story of our library!

Second Floor

This is the main floor of the Hitt Library. Users can enter and exit the library either from the side facing the fountain or from the side facing the student union.

Service Desks

There are three public service desks on this floor.

Circulation Desk is located by the student union entrance and is where you will go to check out books, course reserves, and study room keys. Search our catalog for any books you might need here. https://library.ucf.edu/find/books/

LibTech Desk is located by the fountain side entrance and is where you will go to check out and return tech items such as laptops, calculators, cameras, charging cords,etc. You can browse the items available here https://library.ucf.edu/technology-lending/

Research and Information Desk is located in the middle of the floor and is where you can meet with a librarian to ask research questions. Nothing beats in person help, but our research guides can be a great starting point for your project. https://guides.ucf.edu/homepage

Restrooms

There are 2 locations; note the restrooms nearest the Circulation Desk have baby changing stations. The other set of restrooms are up the small set of stairs next to the Knight Reads bookcase in the café. Or you can take the set of three elevators along the brick wall.

Print Stations

Visit the print zone to print items from one of the library computers or from your laptop. You can also scan or make copies. You can add money to your account using one of the kiosks and your UCF ID card. Or by purchasing a guest card if you are not affiliated with UCF. More information on printing available here https://library.ucf.edu/services/print-copy-scan/.

Seating

Enjoy ample group and single study seating throughout the floor as well as lots of outlets to keep your devices charged.

Instruction

If you have a library instruction session or attend a library event, it might be in one of the rooms on this floor. Rooms 223, 235A, and 235C serve as locations for various library events and workshops.

Offices

Interlibrary Loan offices are also located on this floor. Please be sure to wait until you receive an email confirmation that your item is ready before coming to campus to pick it up as well as information on where in the library to get it. More information about Interlibrary Loan can be found here https://library.ucf.edu/services/borrowing-from-other-libraries/.

That’s it for this week. Join us next week for another look at your library!

It’s time to step into your 21^st Century Library, Knights!

UCF Libraries is very happy to officially welcome you to your modern library. With 57,000 additional square feet, there is even more space to study and collaborate with your classmates. The new phase of the 21^st Century Library Project wrapped up during the pandemic so we were unable to fully bring the community back to the building, but it provides the Libraries with a fantastic opportunity to introduce Knights to it now.

Join us for a formal introduction to the new spaces at the John C. Hitt Library on August 25, 2021, at 9:30 am outside the new Student Union facing entrance. The event will feature a ribbon cutting and special guest speakers.

Student Knights can fully explore the 21^st Century Library additions with the Back to the Library Scavenger Hunt starting at 10am and ending at 12pm. Complete the adventure to receive a limited edition rubber ducky and a drawing will be held from those who finished for a grand prize pack. Duckies limited to first 150 participants.

Reminders for COVID protocols:

• Complete the COVID Self Checker before coming on campus
• We encourage you to wear a face covering 
• Check the UCF Covid policy for more information

On July13th the UCF Libraries switches to Primo, a new library system replacing the library catalog and QuickSearch.

Primo is a next-generation integrated library system (ILS) that leverages cloud-based services and offers a responsive web and mobile design. Primo will improve access to materials and enhance the user experience for students, faculty, and staff. Specifically, Primo allows for:

• searching across books, chapters, articles, videos, and many other document types,
• cross searching the library collections of all 40 Florida public universities and state colleges, and
• virtual browsing, to show book jackets and titles organized as they would appear on the shelf.  This feature is especially useful as more items are stored in the Automated Retrieval Center (ARC).

Migrating to Primo means that links to the old library catalog and to QuickSearch will stop working.  Links that need to be updated include:

• all links to the current library catalog, including records for books, ebooks, videos, and other documents,
• all links to content on QuickSearch (EBSCO Discovery Service), including articles, book chapters, Research Starters, and other documents, and
• all links created using the QuickSearch Lite tool in Canvas.

Please contact your Subject Librarian for assistance with updating course links, chat with library staff real time for an immediate response to questions, or use Report a Problem for issues with accessing electronic materials or other library resources.  

Take a look at Primo!  Contact Library Instruction to schedule an introduction to Primo for your class.