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The Sir Duncan Rice Library

Bedford Road, Aberdeen, AB24 3AA

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Access Guide

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Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 13:00 - 19:00.
  • Sunday 13:00 - 19:00.
  • Comments View
    • The Sir Duncan Rice Library will close at 17:00 on Friday 18th December 2020 and re-open at 09:00 on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
    • Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th January opening hours will be 09:00 to 17:00.
    • Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th January it will be closed.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Aberdeen.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Aberdeen.

Parking (Blue Badge Only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 40m (43yd 2ft) 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 block paving.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is a designated drop off point.
  • The drop off point is located to the right of the Blue Badge parking.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
  • There is not tactile paving on the dropped kerb.

Parking (North)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 480cm x 350cm (15ft 9in x 11ft 6in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 110m (120yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 160m (174yd 2ft) 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 not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Additional Blue Badge parking is located in the main staff car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 171cm (5ft 7in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 169cm (5ft 7in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is located on the walkway leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to either side of the walkway.
  • There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are 5 steps on the left hand side of the walkway and 8 to the right.

Reception (Main Welcome Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There are 54cm wide standard security gates and a 89cm wide gate to access the library levels.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the main reception desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 210cm x 110cm (6ft 11in x 3ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Reception (Wolfson Reading Room)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Information Centre)

  • The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Restaurant Bar Internal

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the service counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is cold snacks as displayed.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • Assistive technology booths will be provided with enhanced software.
    • Assistive software provided includes Windows 7:Ease of Access Centre, Ginger and MindManager.

Museum (Gallery)

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 180cm (5ft 11in x 5ft 11in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are not available.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 185cm x 190cm (6ft 1in x 6ft 3in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Upper Floors)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 215cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 1in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • Identical accessubke toilet cubicles are available in the same location on floors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • 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 Type Talk aware.