Disabled Access Guide for University Library - Chelmsford

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

Outside these times, when the library is open, students can use the self issue and return machines.

The library is staffed 08.30 - 16.45 Monday - Friday.

During the summer vacation the library closes at 18.00 at weekends.

The venue is situated within the centre of the campus.

This venue is situated in Rivermead.

The nearest mainline Railway Station is Chelmsford.

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

The library covers all floors of the Queen's Building.

This venue does have its own car park.

The car park is at the front of the venue.

The car park type is open air/surface.

There are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.

The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 4m x 3.5m (13ft 1in x 11ft 5in).

The nearest designated bay is 31m (34yd) from the main entrance.

The furthest designated bay is 36m (39yd) 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.

The Queens Car Park is for staff and vistors only, and all bays need to be booked in advance.

The Sawyers Car Park, located directly in front of the Sawyers Building, is a short stay pay and display car park for staff and students, and staff permit holders, and contains no designated bays.

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 152cm (4ft 11in) wide.

The automatic doors are push pad operated and open towards you.

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 20m (22yd) from the main entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is low.

Lighting levels are medium.

There is a hearing assistance system.

The hearing system is a fixed loop.

This reception is for general enquiries, paying fines and also acts as an issue desk for students eligible for longer loans.

The reception is open when the library is staffed.

Photograph 2 shows some of the computer terminals located next to the reception desk.

The reception desk is 50m (55yd) from the main entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is low.

Lighting levels are medium.

There is a hearing assistance system.

The hearing system is a fixed loop.

The IT Helpdesk is located on the ground floor, just past the self service machines.

It is open when the library is staffed.

The reception desk is 50m (55yd) from the main entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is medium height.

Lighting levels are low.

There is a hearing assistance system.

The hearing system is a fixed loop.

Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

The Enquiries Desk is located on the 1st floor, to the right as you exit the lift.

This desk is for more detailed library enquiries.

It is open when the library is staffed.

There is level access to the service.

The lighting levels are medium.

Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

The photograph shows security barriers which are 96 cm wide at the entrance to the library.

There are self service machines just inside the entrance.

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 not 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 not 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 screen.

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

Braille, large print and audio books would normally be ordered by the individual academic departments.

The Adaptive Technology Room, shown in photograph 2, is located at the rear of the ground floor and contains a terminal with Jaws and ZoomText loaded.

It also contains a large screen, rollerball mouse, scanner, document magnifier, and height adjustable desks.

There is also a height adjustable desk in the Library Training Room on the 1st floor.

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

There are 15+ steps between floors.

The lighting level is medium.

The steps are deep.

The steps do have handrails.

The steps have a handrail on both sides.

There is a landing.

These stairs are located in the main atrium of the library, and are used to access library and teaching areas of the building.

There is a lift for public use.

The lift is located on the right hand side of the library.

The lift is a standard lift.

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

The lift is 40m (44yd) from the main entrance.

Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.

The dimensions of the lift are 0.96m x 1.34m (3ft 1in x 4ft 4in).

The clear door width is 86cm.

There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.

There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.

The lift does have a visual floor indicator.

The lift does not 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.

This lift is used to access the library and teaching areas of the buildings.

There is also a staff only lift located next to the main entrance, similar to this except it requires a staff swipe card to operate.

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

The details here are for the adapted cubicle within the male toilets.

There is an identical cubicle in the female toilets.

There are also adapted cubicles in the standard toilets on the 1st floor. These have the transfer space on the left, shown in photograph 2.

Availability and Location of Standard Toilets

Standard toilets are available.

Access to Standard Female and Male Toilets

The female and male toilets are located on to ground floor opposite to Library Receptor.

The female and male toilets are 30m (33yd) from the main- entrance.

Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.

Lighting levels are medium.

There are also standard toilets located on the 1st floor, outside Lecture Theatre QB1.

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 Text Relay aware.

The photograph shows the self issue and return machines, including one accessible to wheelchair users.

These are located just inside the security barriers, past the library reception.