Accessibility Statement
1 Introduction
The Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries are committed to making the library accessible to all users. Please inform Anna Lawless-Collins if you encounter any accessibility issues and notify her of any accommodations you need to use the library or its resources. You can reach Anna via email at lawlessa@bu.edu or phone at (617) 353-8875. If you need general assistance with anything in this policy, please call (617) 353-3151, fill out the request form for assistance, or email fineman@bu.edu. This Accessibility Statement is also available as a Word document.
2 Physical library spaces
2.1 The Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries
The Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries is the formal name for the school of law library. The Fineman and Pappas Law Libraries have two main sections: the Pappas section, which includes a reading room on the second floor and part of the Mezzanine floor; and the Fineman section, which includes the entire third floor. The second floor reading room and the study rooms on the third floor are restricted to law students only.
2.2 Getting to the library
2.2.1 Address and location
The School of Law’s address is 765 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. The Law Complex is a 17-story tower set back from Commonwealth Avenue between the School of Theology and Storrow Drive. The easiest way to access the Complex is either by coming down Bay State Road or crossing Marsh Plaza. When accessing the Complex via Marsh Plaza, there is a ramp to the right of the stairs.
2.2.2 MBTA
The closest MBTA stop is the BU Central stop on the B branch of the Green Line. The MBTA offers a Trip Planner tool on their website to help you determine the best way to get to your destination.
2.2.3 Parking
Please visit the Parking Office website for information about the nearest parking options. Accessible parking is available in all University lots.
2.2.4 Library entrance
The main library entrance is located on the second floor of the Law Complex, and the library includes part of the Mezzanine level, second, and third floors. The Tower elevators and the Redstone elevators both stop on the second floor. The elevators use voice notifications and lights to indicate direction and the floor buttons include braille numbers.
2.3 Within the library
2.3.1 Elevators
To navigate within the library, please use only the Tower elevators, as the Redstone elevators do not stop on the third floor or the Mezzanine level. Please contact the Circulation desk by calling (617) 353-3151 or filling out the request for assistance form if you have trouble locating the Tower elevators.
2.3.2 Restrooms
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on every floor. The second-floor restrooms are located outside the library near the McCausland Commons, the Law Café, and the second floor lockers, across from the water fountain on the same floor as the library entrance. To access them, go out the wooden library doors and turn left down the hallway. Please contact the Circulation desk by calling (617) 353-3151 or filling out the request for assistance form if you need assistance.
2.3.3 Library spaces
The library has conducted a survey of our spaces and found that the most accessible spaces are the Pappas Reading Room on the second floor and all spaces on the third floor. All library spaces can be accessed with the assistance of library staff. Please contact the Circulation desk by calling (617) 353-3151 or filling out the request for assistance form if you need assistance accessing any of our spaces.
2.3.4 Quiet reading room
The quiet reading room is on the third floor of the library. This room is limited to law students and is accessible via cardswipe.
3 Services for Persons with Disabilities
Law library staff are committed to providing equal access to the library and its resources. We work closely with the Office of Disability and Access Services and will find something that will work for each library user. You may contact the Office of Disability and Access Services by emailing access@bu.edu or calling (617) 353-3658.
3.1 Materials available from the circulation desk
- Earbuds
- Earplugs
- Headphones with sanitary covers are available for checkout upon request
- Book stands are available for checkout
Adjustable standing desks are available in the Pappas Reading Room.
3.2 Other library services
3.2.1 Interlibrary loan
Library staff can work with you to obtain library materials in a format that works for you. To request assistance using ILL, please visit the circulation desk or fill out the assistance form.
3.2.2 Study room reservation
You can reserve a study room on our website. Study rooms are limited to law students only.
3.2.3 Reference services
Reference librarians are available in person at the reference desk located on the second floor. They are also available by chat from our homepage and you can fill out an assistance form. You can also call the reference desk at (617) 353-3151 or make an appointment with a reference librarian on our website.
3.2.4 Book retrieval
If you need a book retrieved from the collection, please notify someone at the Circulation Desk or click “Request” on the record in our online catalog. If you need assistance using that function please contact the Circulation desk at (617) 353-3151 or fill out an assistance form.
4 Updates to this policy
The library will continue to revise this policy as needed and will incorporate accessibility into our strategic plan. This policy was last updated November 2021. Please contact Anna Lawless Collins for further information. You can reach her at lawlessa@bu.edu or (617) 353-8875.
5 Sources Consulted
When developing this policy we referred to the Michigan State University Libraries Accessibility Statement as a model. We also incorporated steps from the Washington University DO-IT publication Equal Access: Universal Design of Libraries. In designing the document, we referred to the principles laid out in Inclusivity, Gestalt Principles, and Plain Language in Document Design by Jennifer Turner and Jessica Schomberg. We also used principles described by Cynthia Ng in A Practical Guide to Improving Web Accessibility for best practices when linking materials and document design. Finally, while we have used people-first terminology throughout this document, we recognize that people have unique language preferences and are committed to using patrons’ preferred terms.
