- Start by getting a list of reading material for each of your classes. These can be obtained from the Illini Union Bookstore website by entering the semester, course, and section for each of your classes.
- If you would like assistance getting your book lists, please email Scott Baseler at the Illini Union Bookstore with your class schedule, complete with section numbers. Be sure to include DRES STUDENT in the subject line for priority attention.
- If a class says that no textbooks could be found, please email the assigned instructor and ask what reading materials they plan to use. Also copy your Access Specialist so they may assist you. A sample email can be found here.
- If an instructor is using web-based materials (PDFs, journal articles, news sites, etc.), please forward these readings to AMS for conversion.
- If a Kindle book is available and accessible to you, you should purchase that now. Instructions on how to tell if a Kindle book is speech-enabled can be found here.
- Forward your reading list to Accessible Media Services (AMS) at dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu by the due date listed in the DRES newsletter, indicating which materials are for which class, and which materials you still need in electronic format.
- Please provide enough information to locate the right edition of the right book! Either the ISBN, or title/author/copyright year. A screenshot of the IUB book list works just fine.
- AMS will search all available resources to locate an accessible file.
- If no accessible files can be found, we may request you deliver your hard copy to DRES so it can be scanned and digitized for you. Be aware that this process can be very time consuming; in order to have your materials ready by the start of the semester, we ask that you have your reading list submitted by the semester deadline listed in the DRES newsletter. Reading lists submitted after this date will be converted on a first come/first served basis.
- Please do not send your hard copies to DRES unless we request them.
- Download your files.
- Files will be delivered to you through Box.com.
- If you have any issues with Box, try logging in to the Illinois Cloud Dashboard and make sure that both Google Apps @ Illinois and U of I Box are set to On. Then try logging in to Box.com again.
- Files will be removed from Box one week after finals. Make sure you save copies of any materials you want to keep to a personal device before then.
- If you change your class schedule after registration, be sure to email us your updated reading list as soon as possible!
If you are having trouble getting a response from your instructor(s), contact your DRES Access Specialist or AMS at dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu.
E-reserves or web-based materials
In the case of e-reserves or web-based materials, if the instructor can make the materials available to the Accessible Media Services early, we can begin work on the materials at that time. If the materials are not available, then it is the responsibility of the student to download the materials from Box or any other hosting website and send them to the AMS staff for conversion, along with the appropriate due dates. We will do our best to accommodate the due dates depending on when the assignments are received and due.
Condition of Original Material
There are instances where an item is in very poor condition and cannot be scanned. We will inform the student of the situation and ask if they wish for us to do a library search for the item in order to get a better copy. The student will be given the option of having the materials converted after their due date or not to have it converted.
Students registered with Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Students who have their books paid for by DHS will need to sign a form giving DRES permission to share their UIN with the Illini Union Bookstore. You may print the form and bring it to our office, email it back to dres-accessible-media@illinois.edu, or fax it to our office at 217-244-0014.
- Any books that are purchased for a class that are dropped are your responsibility.
- Note: Form needs actual signature, not a printed name.
- Books cannot be put on account until your form is signed and returned to us.