Equitable Access Statement
The Saint Mary’s College Library is committed to equitable access to educational resources, services, and technologies that support student success and reduce barriers related to cost, location, and accessibility. We upgrade to relevant accessibility standards as they evolve.
The Saint Mary’s College Library is committed to equitable access to educational resources, services, and technologies that support student success and reduce barriers related to cost, location, and accessibility. We upgrade to relevant accessibility standards as they evolve.
The library provides and promotes access to course materials, scholarly resources, and technology in support of the college’s mission and commitment to inclusive excellence. Through strategic collection development, resource sharing, and accessibility initiatives, the library strives to ensure the SMC community has access to the information and tools necessary to support Saint Mary’s College curriculum and research.
ADA Conformance
Saint Mary’s College Library website is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and continues to work toward the highest level of conformance (AAA). Partially conformant means some parts of the content do not fully comply with the accessibility standard.
Library databases and electronic resources provided by external vendors are assessed for WCAG conformance. See the Collection Development Policy for more information.
The Library’s physical space meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation standards for campus buildings (e.g., automatic doors, ADA-compliant restrooms). The space also includes a Sensory Room in the Library for students in need of a low-sensory environment.
Course Support
In collaboration with faculty, the Library maintains electronic and print reserves to support instruction. This service helps reduce financial barriers and provides timely access to essential resources. Electronic reserves are embedded in the campus’s Learning Management System (LMS) and allow students to access required readings and course content seamlessly within their classes.
The Library also provides access to technology that supports academic success. In addition to computers and printers in the Library, laptops, calculators, and selected media equipment are available to borrow to ensure that students have equitable access to the technology required for coursework, regardless of personal financial circumstances. By reducing barriers to essential technology, the Library helps ensure that all students can fully participate in technology-enhanced learning environments.
Collection Accessibility
The Library prioritizes acquiring digital rights management (DRM)–free ebooks whenever possible to reduce access barriers and support flexible learning. DRM-free resources allow students to access materials remotely and offer features such as online highlighting and annotation, text-to-speech, and cross-device use without unnecessary restrictions.
For library collections that aren’t accessible, we provide reasonable accommodations and timely access to users with disabilities.
Open Educational Resources
As part of its commitment to affordability, equitable access to knowledge, and student success, the Library supports the adoption, creation, and dissemination of Open Educational Resources (OERs) and Open Access scholarship. The Library promotes these initiatives through faculty support, professional development, and the provision of tools and services that encourage the creation, adaptation, and use of open educational materials.
If you have suggestions for making Library spaces, services, and resources more accessible, please contact libraryservicedesk@stmarys-ca.edu or sds@stmarys-ca.edu or speak with a Library staff member.
Approved by Library Cabinet, June 30, 2026