Physical Accessibility & Sensory Guide at Bizzell Memorial Library

The following parking lots are the closest to the Bizzell Memorial Library, according to OpenStreetMap.org walking directions. The distances provided are estimates to the accessible west entrance (near the clock tower) and the historic south entrance.

North Oval Parking (visitor parking or drop off) - located north of Bizzell and Evans Hall

• South end to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.09 mile
• North end to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.3 mile

Goddard Health Center Faculty and Staff Parking Lot - located west of Bizzell

• Southeast corner to the Bizzell west entrance:
  • 0.16 mile via accessible to sidewalk with no steps or narrow places
  • 0.10 mile via 5.5 inch step-down to sidewalk
     
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  • 0.10 mile via narrow accessible path to sidewalk (41-inch gap between concrete barrier and edge of parking spot)
     
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• Southeast corner to the Bizzell south entrance:
  • 0.15 mile via narrow accessible path to sidewalk (41-inch gap between concrete barrier and edge of parking spot)
  • 0.15 mile via 5.5 inch step-down to sidewalk
  • 0.21 mile via accessible to sidewalk, no steps or narrow places
• Southwest corner to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.16 mile
• Southwest corner to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.21 mile

Elm Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, faculty, and staff parking) - located northwest of Bizzell, just south of Catlett Music Center

• Elevator ground floor to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.17 mile
  • 2026 Warning: This direct route is now blocked by construction south of the Physical Sciences building. You now have to walk south along Elm to the southeast corner of the Goddard Faculty and Staff Lot to reach a designated accessible crossing point.
• Elevator ground floor to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.3 mile
  • 2026 Warning: This direct route is now blocked by construction south of the Physical Sciences building. You now have to walk south along Elm to the southeast corner of the Goddard Faculty and Staff Lot to reach a designated accessible crossing point.

Dale Hall Faculty and Staff Parking Lot - located southwest of Bizzell, west of South Oval

• Northeast corner to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.20 mile
• Southwest corner to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.30 mile
• Northeast corner to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.24 mile
• Southwest corner to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.30 mile

CS25 Metered Parking (metered, or any permit with a handicap placard) - located southwest of Bizzell near Robertson Hall

• Center to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.22 mile
• Center to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.22 mile

Asp Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, faculty, and staff parking) - located southeast of Bizzell, just east of Memorial Stadium

• Elevator ground floor to the Bizzell south entrance: 0.22 mile
• Elevator ground floor to the Bizzell west entrance: 0.3 mile

To help you find the right spot for your vehicle, we have broken down the accessible parking near Bizzell by space type. Use the lists below to see the total number of van-accessible or standard-accessible spots in each nearby lot.

Van Accessible Parking

• North Oval Parking (visitor parking) - located north of Bizzell and Evans Hall
  • 8 van accessible/handicap spots
• Goddard Health Center Faculty and Staff Parking Lot (A15 on parking map) - located west of Bizzell
  • 2 van accessible spots
• West of Goddard Faculty and Staff Parking Lot (A5 on parking map) - located west of Bizzell and Goddard Health Center
  • 5 van accessible spots
• Elm Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, faculty, and staff parking) - located northwest of Bizzell, just south of Catlett Music Center
  • 2 van accessible spots
• Dale Hall Faculty and Staff Parking Lot (A25 on parking map) - located southwest of Bizzell, west of the South Oval
  • 8 van accessible spots
    • South side spots have immediate sidewalk access.
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    • To access the sidewalk ramp from the north spots, you must move behind your vehicle.
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• Asp Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, and faculty/staff parking) - located southeast of Bizzell, just east of Memorial Stadium
  • 16 van accessible/handicap spots
• McCasland Field House Parking Lot - located east of Bizzell, north of Memorial Stadium
  • 5 van accessible/handicap spots
• Copeland Hall (A20 on parking map): None
• Student Union Parking Facility: None

Standard Accessible Parking

• North Oval Parking (visitor parking) - located north of Bizzell and Evans Hall
  • 8 handicap/van accessible spots
• Goddard Health Center Faculty/Staff Parking Lot (A15 on parking map) - located west of Bizzell
  • 2 handicap/van accessible spots, but difficult access to sidewalk
• West of Goddard Faculty/Staff Parking Lot (A5 on parking map) - located west of Bizzell and Goddard Health Center
  • 6 handicap spots, including 5 van accessible
• Elm Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, and faculty/staff parking) - located northwest of Bizzell, just south of Catlett Music Center
  • 14 handicap spots, including 2 van accessible
• Dale Hall Faculty/Staff Parking Lot (A25 on parking map) - located southwest of Bizzell, west of the South Oval
  • 14 handicap spots, including 8 van accessible, with good sidewalk access
  • Two motorcycle corners
• CS25 Metered Parking (purple dots on parking map, a metered lot, or any permit with a handicap placard) - located southwest of Bizzell near Robertson Hall
  • 7 regular handicap spots
  • With a handicap placard and any OU permit (including visitor), you can park at a handicap meter spot without regard to time limits.
• Asp Avenue Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, faculty, and staff parking) - located southeast of Bizzell, just east of Memorial Stadium
  • 16 handicap/van accessible spots
• McCasland Field House Faculty and Staff Parking Lot - located east of Bizzell, north of Memorial Stadium
  • 5 handicap/van accessible spots
• Student Union Parking Facility (visitor, commuter, faculty, and staff parking) - located northeast of Bizzell, east of the North Oval
  • 5 handicap spots
• Copeland Hall: None

For the safety of all patrons, Bizzell Memorial Library follows university policies regarding the storage and use of personal transportation.

Electric Vehicles (E-Bikes and E-Scooters)

In accordance with OU Policy, electric personal vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries—including e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards—may not be stored or charged inside any university building due to potential battery hazards.

Manual Bicycles and Scooters

• Manual Bicycles: Standard bicycles are not permitted inside the library. Bike racks are located just outside the west entrance.
• Manual Scooters: Non-electric scooters may be brought into the building, but they must be carried at all times and cannot be rolled on library floors.
• Equipment Loans: Bike locks are available for checkout at the west Circulation Desk on the 1st Floor.

Bike and Scooter Rentals

For those looking for on-campus transportation, Veo offers electric scooters and bikes for rent throughout the University of Oklahoma campus for a small fee.

Bizzell Memorial Library has two public entrances, each providing different access options for entering the building. The entrances are on the west and south sides of the building.

West Entrance

The west entrance has features that make it the more accessible entrance.

• This entrance provides ground‑level access, allowing visitors to enter the building without needing to navigate stairs or ramps.
• Automatic door openers are available.

South Entrance

The south entrance may be more difficult for some visitors to use.

• Visitors first encounter two stair steps leading up to the outer set of doors, with railings on both sides. The grip strips on these steps are worn off.
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• After passing through the outer doors, the entryway landing between the outer and inner doors has a flat, low‑pile rug.
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• Beyond the entryway, there is a second set of doors, followed by eight additional stairs with railings on both sides, each step equipped with a grip strip.
  • 
• Automatic door openers are not available on either set of doors.

Bizzell Memorial Library consists of three building construction eras. While most floors are level, three areas have steps between sections. This guide identifies where those internal steps are located and where you can find ramps to ensure a step-free path through the building. Additional details about the two building entrances are listed in the Building Entrance section.

Lower Level 1 (LL1)

• Learning Lab: The entrance to the Learning Lab is slightly elevated. You can access this area using the ramps on either side of the steps. This area can also be reached using the elevators on the south side of the 1st Floor (Main).

1st Floor (Main)

• West Entrance: This is the primary accessible entrance and has no stairs.
• South Entrance: This entrance has two steps leading into the entryway and eight steps leading up to the main floor. All steps are equipped with railings. The step grip strips have worn off on the exterior steps.

4th Floor

• Building Transition: A small set of stairs is located between the northeast side and the west side of the building. Ramps are located on both sides of these stairs to provide a continuous, step-free path across the floor.

Bizzell Memorial Library is equipped with three elevators to ensure all seven levels are accessible. Because the library consists of different building additions, certain elevators provide access to specific wings and floors.

West Side Elevators

These elevators provide access to all seven floors of the west side of the building, from Lower Level 2 (LL2) through the 5th Floor.

East Side Elevators

These elevators serve the five floors of the east side of the building, from Lower Level 1 (LL1) through the 4th Floor.

Access to the Great Reading Room

To reach the historic Great Reading Room on the 2nd Floor, you must use the specific elevator located on the south side of the library (near the book decks). This is currently the only elevator that provides step-free access to this room.

Bizzell Memorial Library is a historic building with many different types of doors. While some entrances are automated or kept open for easy access, others may be heavy or require manual operation. If you encounter a door that is difficult to open, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

How to Get Help

If you need assistance with any door in the building, please call the west Circulation Desk at (405) 325-3341. A staff member or security officer will be happy to assist you.

Automatic Building Entrances

• West Entrance: The west building entrance is the main accessible entrance with automatic doors.
• Weather Note: On days with very high winds, these doors may become difficult to operate. If you need help, please call the number above or wave to the Security staff stationed just inside the glass doors.

Accessible Restroom Doors

• Propped Doors: Custodial staff often prop restroom doors open after cleaning to improve accessibility, though this is not always guaranteed.
• Lightweight Options: Some restrooms on the 1st Floor (Main), Lower Level 1 (LL1), and Lower Level 2 (LL2) have lighter entrance doors that are easier to pull. Check out our Restrooms and Changing Tables section for specific locations.
• Stalls: Most multi-stall bathrooms are equipped with lightweight stall doors for easier use.

Heavy Doors That Are Usually Open

To make navigation easier, several heavy fire doors and study area doors are typically kept in an open position during library hours:

• Building Transitions: The large fire doors between the southeast section and the northeast section are usually propped open.
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• Stairwells: Doors leading to the west section stairwells are typically open unless a fire alarm is active.
• Large Study Areas: Entrances to major study zones on the north side of the 2nd Floor and west side of the 3rd Floor are generally kept open for easy entry.

Manual and Heavy Doors

• South Entrance: These historic exterior doors are heavy and do not have automatic openers.
• Great Reading Room (2nd Floor): These doors swing shut automatically; while they are lighter than most doors in Bizzell, they still require a manual push or pull.
• Study Rooms & Zarrow Lounge: Most individual study rooms and the Zarrow Family Faculty & Graduate Student Center feature glass doors with push bars.

Restroom Accessibility

Restrooms are available on every level of Bizzell Memorial Library, except for the Great Reading Room level.

If a restroom door is too heavy for you to open, you can call the Circulation Desk at (405) 325-3341, and someone will come to assist you. Individual stall doors are lighter weight and may be easier to open.

1st (Main) Floor Restrooms

On the 1st Floor (Main), there are two single-occupancy, gender-neutral/family restrooms (both labeled as room 128) near the Boorstin Collection. These restrooms have lightweight, accessible swinging doors. There are also men's and women's restrooms near the west entrance.

2nd Floor Restrooms

On the 2nd Floor, the women's and men's restrooms on the north side of the building each have a toilet with a shower curtain instead of a swinging-door stall. Both restrooms also have additional toilet stalls with swinging doors.

3rd & 4th Floor Restrooms

On the 3rd and 4th Floors, the west-side restrooms are more modern than those on the east side of the building. Each restroom on the west side has at least one handicap stall.

5th Floor Restrooms

The 5th Floor is open only during the 5th Floor Special Research Collections hours, which are more limited than Bizzell's hours of operation. Visit the OU Libraries Hours page for more information.

Lower Level 1 (LL1) Restrooms

On Lower Level 1, there are two single-occupancy, gender-neutral/family restrooms west of The Bookmark Café. The doors to these restrooms may be heavy for some people. If needed, call the Circulation Desk at (405) 325-3341 for assistance. There are also men's and women's restrooms on the northeast side of the building near the stairwell and the Learning Lab.

Lower Level 2 (LL2) Restrooms

On Lower Level 2, there are two single-occupancy, gender-neutral/family restrooms, one near the men's restroom and one near the women's restroom (LL2012, LL2052). These are located in the public, non-card-access sections of Lower Level 2. The doors to these restrooms may be heavy for some people. If needed, call the Circulation Desk at (405) 325-3341 for assistance.

Changing Tables

Changing tables are available in all single-occupancy, gender-neutral/family restrooms. These can be found on the following floors:

• 1st Floor (Main): Two restrooms near the Boorstin Collection
• 5th Floor: One restroom near the History of Science Collections
• Lower Level 1 (LL1): Two restrooms near The Bookmark Café
• Lower Level 2 (LL2): Two restrooms adjacent to the entrance of the Zarrow Family Faculty and Graduate Student Center

Bizzell Memorial Library provides a wide range of furniture to accommodate different physical needs and preferences. From adjustable height desks to various seating styles, this section helps you find a comfortable space that works for you.

Service Desk Heights

Please refer to the measurements below for the fixed heights of our main service points:

• West Circulation Desk: 42 inches high
• Research Help Desk: 34 inches high
• South Circulation Desk: 30 inches high

Furniture and Seating Options by Floor

Bizzell Memorial Library offers a variety of seating and workspaces to fit different needs. Below is a breakdown of what you will find on each level:

1st Floor (Main)

• Study Tables: Wooden chairs (no armrests or cushions)
• Computer Lab: Rolling chairs with armrests and back support
• East Side: Seven leather couches
• Research Help Desk: Cushioned, non-rolling chair (no armrests)

2nd Floor

• Independent Study Areas: Cushioned chairs with armrests
• Great Reading Room: Wooden chairs with minimal cushioning at the long study tables

3rd & 4th Floors

• West Side: A mix of wide, cushioned seating and standard office chairs
• East Side: Long wooden tables with small wooden chairs

5th Floor

• Reading Room: Cushioned, velvet-style chairs (no armrests)

Lower Level 1 (LL1)

• Helmerich Collaborative Learning Center and Learning Lab: A mix of plastic chairs and cushioned seating
• LL118 Community Room: Non-rolling chairs with back support (no armrests)
• LL123 Instruction Classroom: Plastic rolling chairs with back support (no armrests)
• LL121E Conference Room Rolling chairs with backs and arms
• Study Pods (East Side): Cushioned recliner-style seats with a footrest and a 14-inch foldable laptop tray
  • Laptop tray: 14-inch length (can be pulled all the way against the cushioned seat).
  • Seat back: 24-inch length
  • Seat bottom: 21-inch length
• Individual Cubicles (East Side): Semi-cushioned, small rolling chairs (with back support and armrest) and wooden desk
• LL121 Studios (West Side): Rolling chairs, mostly with backs and arms (some without arms), and two lounge chairs

Lower Level 2 (LL2)

• Zarrow Family Faculty and Graduate Student Center: Variety of couches, high wooden chairs, tables, and traditional desks; faculty side has a treadmill desk, a standing desk

Stay refreshed during your visit! From The Bookmark Café and vending machines to water fountains and bottle-refill stations, find everything you need on our Café & Wellness page.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and then alert security staff at the first-floor west Circulation Desk, either in person or by calling (405) 325-3341.

From focused, low-distraction zones to active collaborative spaces, Bizzell offers a variety of environments tailored to your needs. Use the guide below to find the area that works best for you.

Quiet Study Areas

• Lower Level 2 (LL2): Study rooms within the Zarrow Family Faculty & Graduate Student Center (available to faculty and graduate students)
• Lower Level 1 (LL1): Individual study areas located on the east side near the book stacks
• 2nd Floor Great Reading Room: Historic space on the south side of the building. Note: As a campus landmark, this room is often visited by tourists, which may distract some patrons.
• 3rd & 4th Floors: Quiet study areas located on the east and northwest sides among the book stacks
• 5th Floor: Home to the Special Research Collections; features a small, quiet study area on the east side

"Considerate" Study Areas

• Lower Level 2 (LL2): Scholar's Lounge in the Zarrow Family Faculty & Graduate Student Center (available to faculty and graduate students)
• Lower Level 1 (LL1): Study pods located on the east side
• 2nd Floor: All areas on this floor are for considerate study
• 3rd & 4th Floors: Considerate study areas are available on the east side of these floors

Louder (Group Work) Study Areas

• Lower Level 1 (LL1): The Learning Lab (north side) and Helmerich Collaborative Learning Center (west side) offer great spots for working on group projects and tutoring sessions.
• 1st Floor (Main): The north-central side has large tables designed for group collaboration and tutoring sessions.

Bizzell offers a variety of spaces to suit your needs.

• Visit our Rooms & Spaces page to reserve a quiet or collaborative room or to learn about walk-in spaces like our reflection room and lactation room.
• Most study rooms have windows facing either the outside campus or the interior of the library.
• For safety and accessibility, study room doors cannot be locked by patrons. If you find a locked door, please notify security staff at the first-floor west Circulation Desk either in person or by calling (405) 325-3341.

OU Libraries is committed to creating a comfortable space for everyone. We understand that lighting and visual displays can affect concentration and health. Use the guide below to find alternative paths around screens, or locate spaces that emphasize natural light.

Lower Level 1 (LL1) LED Screen

A floor-to-ceiling LED screen is located on Lower Level 1, facing the west stairwell and elevators near The Bookmark Café.

If you prefer to avoid this screen, the east study areas are accessible via the east stairwell or elevators. To reach The Bookmark Café, west study areas, or workshop rooms without passing the display:

1. Take the north ramp from the east section into the west section.
2. Follow the hallway north of the west stairwell.
3. Continue west through the hallway to access your destination.

TV Screens and Large Monitors

Exhibits on the 1st Floor (Main) and 5th Floor feature TV screens with repeating video content. Additionally, several shared spaces utilize large-scale monitors:

• LL123 Instruction Classroom: Multiple monitors mounted along the walls
• LL118 Community Room: One large monitor on the east wall

For specific information on how these screens will be used during a session, please contact your workshop or course instructor.

Natural Lighting

Bizzell Memorial Library offers several study areas that prioritize natural light. Key locations include:

• Lower Levels 1 & 2: Study areas along the west walls have floor-to-ceiling views of the Oklahoma Canyon Garden
• 2nd Floor Great Reading Room: Features expansive windows
• 3rd & 4th Floors: Study spaces along west side of the building

Study Rooms

All study rooms have individual on-and-off light switches, allowing you to control the lighting. Additionally, rooms on Lower Levels 1 and 2 feature TV screens that can be turned on or off as needed.

Bizzell Memorial Library is a shared space where food, drinks, and equipment are used throughout the day. This guide highlights areas where you may encounter strong smells or where certain items are restricted to help you choose the best environment for your needs.

Food and Drink Smells

While food and drinks are allowed in most parts of the library, some areas have stronger scents or specific restrictions:

• Lower Level 1 (LL1): This floor features The Bookmark Café and a public microwave near the café. There are coffee and food smells in this area, especially during café hours.
• 2nd Floor Great Reading Room: Food is not permitted.
• 5th Floor: Food and drinks are not permitted on this floor except in the researcher-only Tea Room located in the northwest corner.

Chemical Smells

Bizzell does not have designated fragrance-free zones. Please be aware of the following:

• 1st Floor (Main): The Makerspace operates multiple 3D printers, which melt several types of plastic.
• Restrooms: All restrooms are cleaned at least once a day, usually in the morning.

We want our digital materials to be easy for everyone to use. If you encounter any accessibility barriers with our catalog, ebooks, or research databases, please let us know. You can report the issue by submitting our Report a Digital Accessibility Problem form or by emailing us. We will work to resolve it as quickly as possible.

We provide cloud printing services for a small per-page charge and offer self-service scanning at no cost. For all the details on how to get started, visit our Computers, Wi-Fi, and Printing page. If you experience any issues with the machines, please ask the Circulation Desk staff for assistance.

Bizzell Memorial Library offers a range of tools to support your needs. From screen readers and magnification software to large-scale monitors and whiteboards, these resources are available to help you work effectively.

Assistive Technology Computer

The Loveridge Computer Lab features a specialized Windows PC workstation equipped with tools for low-vision and blind users. This computer includes:

• ZoomText: Software and high-contrast keyboard for screen magnification and visual enhancements
• Screen Readers: Both JAWS and NVDA software provide speech output for all computer applications

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Services

If you have a scanned document or image that isn't readable by your assistive technology, you can use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert it into accessible text. For assistance with OCR services, please visit the OU Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) website.

Whiteboards and Markers

Public whiteboards are available throughout Bizzell to support visual learning and collaboration:

• Mobile Whiteboards: Can be found throughout the library
• Stationary Whiteboards: Located in the Learning Lab and the Helmerich Collaborative Learning Center on Lower Level 1 (LL1)
• Markers: You can borrow dry-erase markers from the west Circulation Desk on the 1st Floor

Computer Monitors and Room Screens

Many spaces throughout Bizzell offer external monitors for better visibility and collaborative work. For more information and to make reservations, visit our Rooms & Spaces page.

Lower Level 2 (LL2)

LL2 features the Zarrow Family Faculty & Graduate Student Center. These rooms are reserved for graduate students and/or faculty.

• Most multi-person rooms have wall display screens
• Most single-person study rooms do not have screens

Lower Level 1 (LL1)

• Studio Meeting Spaces A-C: Feature wall display screens with HDMI cables; rooms are reserved for graduate students, staff, and faculty
• Group Study Rooms: Multi-person rooms with wall display screens; rooms are reserved for undergraduate students

1st Floor (Main)

• Loveridge Computer Lab: Along the north wall, you will find "landing desks" featuring 32-inch LCD monitors with keyboard and mouse. You can connect your own device or a laptop borrowed from our kiosk.
  • Screen Connection: USB-C and HDMI
  • Keyboard/Mouse Connection: USB

2nd Floor

• East Side: Two desks with monitors are available for public use. Please note that these use VGA connectors and are not frequently tested.