Disabled Access Guide for The University Library - Cambridge

Please note: this venue is undergoing major building works and the information in this guide may not be accurate at the present time.

Please contact the venue directly for current access information.

The library is staffed between 08.30 - 20.45 Monday - Thursday, 08.30 - 16.45 on Fridays and 10.00 - 16.45 on Saturdays.

Outside these hours, when the library is open students can use the Borrow and Return machines.

The library closes at 18.00 at weekends during the summer vacations.

The library is staffed 08.30 - 16.45 weekdays, and not staffed at weekends.

The venue is situated within the centre of the campus.

This venue is situated in Cambridge.

The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.

The nearest mainline Railway Station is Cambridge.

There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

This venue does have its own car park.

Parking is not free for all users.

Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.

The car park is at the front of the venue.

The car park type is open air/surface.

Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.

There are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.

The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 3.5m x 5m (11ft 5in x 16ft 4in).

The nearest designated bay is 12m (13yd) from the main entrance.

The furthest designated bay is 15m (16yd) from the main entrance.

The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.

Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.

The car park surface is tarmac.

There is a dropped kerb/non stepped access from the car park to the venue.

The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.

The patron does not have to cross a road.

The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.

There is not a designated drop off point.

Parking on campus is for staff permit holders only. Visiting Blue Badge holders requiring on site parking should contact the university in advance.

This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.

There is not level access to the service.

The main doors open automatically.

The doors are double width.

The door opening is 170cm (5ft 6in) wide.

There is a second set of doors.

The doors open automatically.

The doors are single width.

The door opening is 97cm (3ft 2in) wide.

The automatic doors are touch pad operated, and the 1st set open towards you.

The 2nd door is to the right of the 1st as you enter, and is used as an entrance only. There is a separate exit 2nd door, located opposite this, which is also push pad operated automatic.

There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.

The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.

The ramp or slope is moderate.

The ramp or slope is permanent.

The reception desk is 8m (26ft 2in) from the main entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is medium height.

The desk has a lowered section.

Lighting levels are medium.

There is a hearing assistance system.

The hearing system is a fixed loop.

There are also Borrow and Return machines on the ground floor, next to the lift.

The reception desk is 34m (37yd) from the main entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is medium height.

The desk has a lowered section.

Lighting levels are medium.

There is not a hearing assistance system.

The IT Helpdesk is located on two far side of the IT area, at the rear of the ground floor.

There opening times are for term time only.

The helpdesk is open 09.00 - 17.00 during vacations.

There is level access to the service.

There is not a hearing assistance system.

The lighting levels are varied.

Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

There are many teaching/meeting rooms located on all floors, accessed by single, light doors, 88 cm wide, which open inwards.

There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.

The ramp or slope is located in the far right hand corner of the ground floor.

The ramp or slope is easy.

The ramp or slope is permanent.

This ramp leads to the Learning Zone and Toilets.

The Learning Zone contains computer areas which can be used for private study or clasess.

This library does not house a regular supply of books in Braille.

This library does not house a regular supply of books in large print.

This library does house a regular supply of books on tape or disc.

There is an ordering service.

The library does have computers with accessible software.

Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.

A large text keyboard is available for computer users.

A large rollerball mouse is available for computer users.

A height adjustable table is available for computer users.

Other computer auxiliary aids include large screens.

Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a document magnifier.

Students with disabilities can claim back photocopying expenses.

Students with dyslexia can have extended loan periods.

There are height adjustable desks on all floors.

Photograph 2 shows the height adjustable desks on the 3rd floor. One contains a terminal with software for people with visual impairments loaded.

The other contains a document magnifier, which can also change the background colour, and also has arm rests fitted.

For more access information for the library, please see the libraries web pages.

The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.

There are 15+ steps between floors.

The lighting level is medium.

The steps are clearly marked.

The steps are medium height.

The steps do have handrails.

The steps have a handrail on both sides.

There is a landing.

The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3.

There are 9 steps between floors.

The lighting level is medium.

The steps are not clearly marked.

The steps are deep.

The steps do have handrails.

The steps have a handrail on both sides.

There is not a landing.

The lift is located to the night of the Issue Desk as you face it.

The lift is a standard lift.

The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.

The lift is 24m (26yd) from the main entrance.

The dimensions of the lift are 0.98m x 1.4m (3ft 2in x 4ft 7in).

The clear door width is 80cm.

There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.

There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.

The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.

The lift does have an audible announcer.

The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.

The lighting level in the lift is medium.

The lift does not have Braille markings.

The lift does have tactile markings.

There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.

Location of and access to adapted toilets

Features and dimensions of adapted toilets

Position of fixtures in adapted toilets

Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets

Availability and Location of Standard Toilets

Standard toilets are available.

Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets

The female and male toilets are located next to the adapted toilet.

The female and male toilets are 40m (44yd) from the main entrance.

Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilet.

Lighting levels are medium.

There are steps to access this area/service.

The steps are located just inside the entrances to both toilets.

There are 1 steps to the area/service.

The lighting levels at the steps are medium.

The steps are clearly marked.

The steps are medium.

Staff do receive disability awareness training.

Documents can be requested in Braille.

Documents can be requested in large print.

Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.

A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.

This service can be requested.

Staff are not Text Relay aware.

Photograph 1 shows the library catalogue terminal on the ground floor, on a height adjustable desk.

The catalogue terminals on the other floors are on desk of varied heights, as shown in photograph 2.

Photograph 1 shows the Refreshment Area, located directly to the right as you enter.

It contains seating, vending machines and newspapers.

Photograph 2 shows the Quiet Study Area on the 1st floor. There are similar areas on all floors.