In our accessibility audit we observed the 11th floor of the Thompson Library at The Ohio State University, which is called the Campus Reading Room. Accessibility refers to the ease of use and access of products, areas, services, and devices for all individuals, including those with disabilities. In assessing accessibility, we observed the design of the space and noted how the environment impacts a person’s ability to access or utilize the space and products used within the space.
In order to access the 11th floor of Thompson Library, you must first enter the library through one of three entrances. Both the west and the east main entrances are highly accessible with the doors having a width of 36 inches, but the third entrance located in the library’s cafe is not accessible due to stairs. The west entrance has push buttons to open the doors at a height of 34 inches and the doors handles being 38 inches off of the ground. All of the previously mentioned measurements meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. A potential hazard at this entrance would be the rugs located on the floor as soon as you enter the building. The east entrance essentially mimics the west entrance in terms of entrance size, width, and availability of automatic door openers, however, there are stairs immediately as you enter the building. A ramp is provided to the left of the entrance and there are signs acknowledging the ramp. There is no Braille provided on the exterior of the building or on the sign directing toward the ramp. In order to get to the 11th floor once inside, individuals must use the main elevators located in the center of the library. There are clear indicated paths for these elevators and they run on every floor of the library.
We assessed the restrooms first because they are located on a lower floor than the space we chose for our audit. Even though there are restrooms located on the 11th floor, they are locked at all times and are strictly used for special events. The nearest restrooms are located on the fourth floor and have accessibility issues. Difficulties regarding the fourth floor restrooms include the doors being fairly heavy and lacking push buttons to open them, making it difficult to access. Once inside, we noticed that that the width of the “handicap” stall meets the (ADA) requirement, but soap and paper towel dispensers are located fairly high from the ground. Thompson Library does not have any specific gender-neutral restrooms, but the restrooms on the 11th floor are single-user restrooms when opened. The restrooms could easily be one of the largest obstacles that anyone could face when utilizing this space.
Once on the 11th floor, we noticed a gap between the flooring of the room and the elevator. This could be hazardous for an individual using a wheelchair, crutches, a walker, but is not limited to these type of aid devices. This could be hazardous for someone pushing stroller or even someone with loose shoelaces. The 11th floor space is used to study and it is a very quiet room. Students are usually reading a book or looking over class materials, either sitting at tables or in the chairs facing the windows overlooking Ohio State’s campus. Often times this floor is used for special events hosted by the university, so it may be closed to the public on occasion, which is something to always keep in mind.
Our group observed the open space of the floor, as well as accessibility to desks and restrooms. Most of the tables that are available to use are accessible, but there were many lounge chairs and a few tables that did not have a wheelchair clearance. There were six chairs at each table, which made the area crowded. We noticed that this was unusual because there are usually four chairs to a table, but we realized that that could have been the result of an event that had just taken place in the space. We also noticed that some areas, like “cubby-like” study spaces to the sides of the room, may be inaccessible due to heavy furniture and tight spaces for movement. We noted the amount of Braille used in the area, which was minimal. This reflects the minimal signs that are used in the space.
Future designs should include accessible restrooms, especially in a space that is isolated from other floors with restrooms. In terms of design, the space is designed fairly well, except for some characteristics like the transfer from the elevator to the main flooring of the 11th floor and the couch area, which had very narrow pathways and rugs that could inhibit its accessibility. For the closest existing restrooms on the fourth floor, automatic door-opening buttons would make the area more accessible as well. A larger use of Braille on signs would also increase accessibility. Additionally, easily movable furniture would increase accessibility, especially in tighter spaced areas.
For those who already use this space, it is recommended to use the restroom before venturing up to the 11th floor of Thompson Library, especially if you plan to stay for long. We would recommend users to try and keep their belongings close to them and out of any pathways. Even though walkways are fairly wide and clear of any obstacles, it is always good to keep them clear, especially around the main study tables located in the middle of the room. Users sensitive to light may also want to reconsider using the 11th floor of Thompson Library on bright and sunny days since the room lets in a substantial amount of natural sunlight. Users should also be aware that this area is not always open, so it is good to have a backup plan just in case.
All in all, the information we gathered let us know that the 11th floor of Thompson Library may not be as accessible as you might think. In most cases, there is always room for improvement to make spaces more accessible for all individuals.
I think you guys did a good job with your post in terms of thoroughly explaining each component you observed and why it was or was not accessible and incorporating images to reinforce/provide a visual for what you have written. Overall, it seems this space is pretty inaccessible for people with a variety of abilities. You would think since this is such a public space and one that is constantly utilized by students that it would be more accessible. I cannot believe the restrooms on this floor are locked unless a private event is held on this floor. This is inconvenient for anyone who may need to use the restroom but it is even more inconvenient for an individual or may have a disability. Compared to the space you accessed our space had pretty accessible restrooms. The biggest issue with our restrooms was the fact there were no automatic door buttons and the doors were very heavy making it difficult for a person with a disability to open the door without assistance. The entrances to your building seem to be pretty accessible. The entrance of our building (Wexner Center for the Arts) labeled as the accessible entrance did not have any automatic door buttons and there were stairs as soon as you entered the building. The only way to get to the elevator was to go down the stairs, making this entrance actually very inaccessible for a person in a wheelchair or a person with any other type of assistive technology. These are just a few examples as to the similarities and differences between the spaces our groups accessed.
Briauna Cromer
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The 11th floor of Thompson is one of the main highlights when touring Ohio State and is arguably one of the most beautiful places to look out on our amazing campus. However after reading through your audit, I am surprised to see how inaccessible it is for an individual with any sort of disability. It surprises me to realize that the restrooms are not located anywhere near the space and any individual with any sort of digestive disability may have a very difficult time utilizing the space. Another thought I had after reading the audit is about the acceptance of students up there of students with disabilities. The 11th floor is meant to be completely silent however for an individual with a disability that is unable to control any noises they make such as an individual that has turrets, this space could be completely inaccessible simply from the backlash of other students. Overall I am surprised one of OSU’s pride and joys is so inaccessible.
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So where should students who need silence go? I understand what you are saying, but are your concerns solely for this floor or all silent spaces? I’ve studied up there many times, and it really is frustrating when tours come through or people just start talking. It’s a quiet space for a reason.
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Thompson Library is one of the main highlights at Ohio State, being a highlight many would think that this building is very accessible, including the 11th and most popular floor. This space has been found to be very accessible and is not up to what standards the University expresses as accessible. It is very shocking that there are no restrooms past the 4th floor, so if someone needs to be at the library for a while and may have an emergency that they need a restroom, it would take a while for them to get to where the restrooms are. Not only are the location of the bathrooms inaccessible, but also if someone needed assistance walking, the amount of chairs and rugs would be in their way to navigate the room. With this floor being a main attraction for the campus tour, it could lead to a student finding that the university is not as accessible as claimed and may turn away perspective students. I think it would be very beneficial for the university to renovate the library and make it more accessible since it is a very popular place for all students.
Monica Ebbing
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I think the 11th floor of Thompson was a great idea for this audit, considering it is such a landmark location and a place that tour groups often visit. I work for catering at the Union and we occasionally do events on the 11th floor. We have to lug numerous carts through the library to get to the 11th floor, and the crack in-between the elevator and the floor definitely has been a cause for concern when we’re pushing carts piled high with food. Also, one time my friend was in the elevator at Thompson and a guy put his hand out to hold the door for her and his phone fell down that crack. So clearly this crack is an issue for able bodied people as much as it could be for those with disabilities. I also have always found it extremely irritating that they lock those restrooms except for parties. Also, I thought it was interesting that the handicap stall had toilet paper so far away from the toilet. It’s as if people just didn’t think at all when assembling the bathrooms. I think this goes to show how poorly educated most people are about disability.
Nataile Robek
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It was interesting to read about your guys’ audit of the 11th floor of Thompson Library, as my group audited the ground floor of Thompson. However, it surprised me that the closest accessible bathroom is located on the fourth floor, and even that bathroom has some accessibility issues. To me, the 11th floor has always been a nice place to study, but I had never realized some issues it could cause in terms of accessibility. I also agree with what you guys are saying about the entrances in Thompson, I never realized until this audit that the rugs at the west entrance could pose an issue to some! I think that staff members should definitely consider making some changes to the library to make it more accessible to all, especially with the restroom issue!
Hannah McKenzie
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It’s really surprising that the closest accessible restroom is all the way on the fourth floor. If the room was particularly crowded, it could be very challenging to just reach the elevators to get to the fourth floor. You mentioned that the furniture was heavy and close together, so between fighting to navigate through that and not getting stuck in the elevator crack, just going to the restroom can be quite the ordeal. Thompson was recently renovated (early 2000s), so it is surprising to see that such a modern building struggles to be accessible for so many people. (whether that be the crack in the elevator or the lack of Braille throughout the building),
Cassie Perez
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