ZIMMERMAN REVAMPED

Making Zimmerman Library

Accessible to All

A Report from Shelbee Geyer

November 25th, 2015

Table of Contents:
Introduction..3
Methodology3
Results..4
Discussion5
Recommendations5
References6
Appendix..6

Abstract:
The purpose of this report is to offer some solutions that will make Zimmerman Library more
accessible to everyone. After researching and surveying, I have found that changing the signage,
widening walkways, and spacing tables farther apart will help Zimmerman easier to access. I
collected my research from surveying people who visit Zimmerman regularly, and researching
how libraries must be accessible to everyone. To make this happen, I suggest that Zimmerman
needs clearer signage on where things are located, wider walkways, and more space between
tables. Once these are complete, Zimmerman will be able to be used by anyone.

Introduction:
Zimmerman Library is used by many people each year. Students, UNM staff members and the
public use Zimmerman for research and studying. Zimmerman Library has many different
resources which include study areas, CAPS, books and computer labs. Because so many people
use Zimmerman Library, it is a must for the library to keep up with what people want and need.
This doesnt mean just technology and books, but also includes accessibility. Zimmerman
Library can be very inaccessible for many who arent familiar with its layout. The purpose of this
report is to offer some solutions that will make Zimmerman Library more accessible to everyone.
One specific solution would be to widen walkways, create better signage on where things are,
and more space in between tables. This will be the easiest and fastest way to make Zimmerman
more user friendly. It is important for Zimmerman to be available to everyone because if people
have trouble accessing something, they wont be motivated to go to that place.

Methodology:
In order to make Zimmerman more accessible, we first need to know what makes Zimmerman
inaccessible. I have conducted a step-by-step plan on how to evaluate Zimmerman Library and
make is easier to access.
First, I found a Universal Access page on the Do It Website. It covers Access Issues for a library
and how it can be user friendly for everyone. The webpage offers a checklist for libraries that
covers building access and environment, library staff, library services, electronic resources, etc. I
am focusing on the Building Access and Environment portion of the checklist. I printed out the
checklist and personally surveyed Zimmerman. I walked around each level of the library looking
at the questions on the checklist and observing if Zimmerman passed it or not. I made comments
on each questions that either alarmed me or fulfilled the question.
After evaluating Zimmerman Library, I created a survey on Survey Monkey and had people who
used Zimmerman complete it. I only asked five questions that covered how frequent people use
Zimmerman, how well they can navigate around the library, what do they usually use in the
library, and if it is accessible in their opinion.
With this information from the checklist from the DO IT website and survey I will address the
most noticeable problems in Zimmerman and give solutions that will resolve these issues. I have
planned out a solution in making Zimmerman as user friendly as it can be. When these changes
are implemented, Zimmerman will be able to operate to its full potential and serve everyone.

Results:
Surveying Zimmerman Library, I found out that Zimmerman passed 5 out of the 11 necessities
according to the DO IT Building Access and Environment Checklist. First off, the signage on the
first floor is unreadable. The map of Zimmerman is extremely hard to read with confusing
blueprints of Zimmerman. It also has very small writing which makes it hard to read, and it
doesnt have any Braille. Not only are signs small, there is no signage pointing to elevators,
restrooms and to other designated areas. Also on every floor, the elevators are not labeled.
Luckily, inside the elevators the controls do have Braille and visual signals that can be reached
from a wheelchair.

How easy is it for you to navigate through Zimmerman?

12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Figure 1
For the survey on Survey Monkey, 21 people completed this survey. From the survey I have
concluded that most believe Zimmerman is somewhat easy to navigate through (Figure 1). 15 out
of the 21 surveyed, believe that Zimmerman is wheelchair accessible (Figure 2). When asked
how Zimmerman could be more accessible, some put that the elevators were poorly marked,
signage in general was poor, and there be more space between tables and wider walkways.

In your opinion, is Zimmerman Library wheelchair accessible?

No

Yes

10

12

14

16

Figure 2
Discussion:
From all of my research and information gathered, I have found that Zimmerman library is
accessible to some, and isnt to others. With this in mind, I have figured that if they fix their
signage, widen walkways and add space between tables, Zimmerman will be more open and
easier to access for the public.
The signage will be on the first floor, replacing the map with an easier to read map, including
Braille. The map will have layouts of each floor and labels of what is on each floor. There should
also be exits, elevators, stairs, restrooms, and information desks labeled. Once the map is
complete, there should be new signage throughout Zimmerman, labeling restrooms, elevators,
study areas, and books. The signs should have big font that can be read very easily. Once the
signage is complete and installed, the walkways should be widened.
Widening the walkways will benefit Zimmerman in multiple ways. People with wheelchairs,
crutches, and walkers will be able to get anywhere in Zimmerman. In congested areas, a wider
walkway will help the flow of everyone walking and clear the walkway faster. Widening
walkways also coincides with adding space between tables.
Having tables farther apart from each other will help with navigating through tables and giving
people space from others. This also allows wheelchair, crutches, and walkers to navigate through
tables without getting caught on a table or chair. If someone with a wheelchair cant navigate
through tables without having a difficult time, they will not want to come back. If its easier to
navigate through, they will be more willing on visiting and using the library.

Recommendations:

In conclusion, I believe Zimmerman will be easier to access with better signage throughout. This
will make Zimmerman easier to navigate through and an ease of access for anyone who doesnt
know where something is located. When this is complete, people will have an easier time
navigating through Zimmerman Library. It is very important that everyone can access
Zimmerman Library because of the knowledge and information from the books, the access to
computers, printers, and private study rooms, and the access to free tutoring from CAPS. If
someone does not have access to these critical resources, it will have a negative impact on their
education.

References:
"Universal Access: Making Library Resources Accessible to People with Disabilities." Do
It: Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology. University of
Washington, n.d. Web. <http://www.washington.edu/doit/universal-access-makinglibrary-resources-accessible-people-disabilities>.

Appendix:

How easy is it for you to navigate through Zimmerman?

12
10
8
6
4
2
0

Figure 1

In your opinion, is Zimmerman Library wheelchair accessible?

No

Yes

10

12

14

16

Figure 2