Accessibility
Special provisions made or available on request to aid Library users with various disabilities
Library users who would like to make use of any of the services identified in this guide should first contact Disability Services or the Dyslexia Support Unit who will make a referral and provide us with an initial assessment of your requirements. Your local library site representative will then be able to put the necessary arrangements in place for you.
A range of assistive technology and equipment is provided at the University Library. More details can be found here
- Site representatives
- Emergency evacuation
- Library induction / orientation
- Access
- Low level enquiry points
- Extended loan periods
- Library guides and leaflets in alternative formats
- Enlarged text on library catalogue
- Self-service renewals and reservations
- Inter-library loans
- Assistance with catalogue searches
- Assistance with retrieving material
- Photocopying
- Access for personal assistants
- Hearing loop
- Assistive Technology and Equipment
- Useful links
Your local site representatives
|
Site |
Contact Name |
Tel |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
University Library
|
Derek MacKenzie |
020 7040 5638 |
|
|
University Library
|
Rachel D'Arcy-Brown
|
020 7040 4163 |
|
|
Cyril Kleinwort Learning Resource Centre |
Michael Lofthouse
|
020 7040 5186
|
|
|
West Smithfield Library
|
Sam Hutchinson
|
020 7040 5438 |
|
|
Whitechapel Library
|
|
020 7040 |
|
|
Inns of Court School of Law Library |
Charmaine Perkins |
020 7400 3605 |
|
|
E-Learning Services
|
E-Learning Services |
020 7040 3141 |
|
Emergency evactuation
University Library:
There is a designated Refuge Point at the Main Entrance end of the Library next to the lift. Users with mobility difficulties should familiarise themselves with these locations and, in the event of an emergency, they should wait at one of these points. Library staff will alert Security staff who will ensure the safe exit of any such users from the building.
Cass Learning Resources Centre:
There are designated refuge points adjacent to the main passenger lifts and also to the two separate lifts accessible via emergency exits towards the rear of the LRC.
West Smithfield Library:
Users should familiarise themselves with the School's 'Emergency Evacuation for People with Disabilities'. There are several clearly labelled refuge points outside the library. Users with mobility difficulties will be directed to a refuge point by a member of staff and should wait at one of these points. Library staff will alert the senior fire warden who will ensure the safe exit of any such users from the building.
Whitechapel Library:
Users should familiarise themselves with the Schools 'Emergency Evacuation for People with Disabilities.' There is a clearly labelled refuge point in the stairwell near the library, adjacent to the lifts. Users with mobility difficulties will be directed to a refuge point by a member of staff and should wait at one of these points. Library staff or the Senior Fire Controller will alert the emergency services who will ensure the safe exit of any such users from the building.
Inns of Court School of Law Library:
Users should familiarise themselves with the Schools 'Emergency Evacuation for People with Disabilities.' There are several clearly labelled refuge points outside the library. Users with mobility difficulties will be directed to a refuge point by a member of staff and should wait at one of these points. Two way radio units are available to maintain contact throughout an emergency. Library staff will alert the emergency services who will ensure the safe exit of any such users from the building.
Library induction / orientation
Your library site representative will be pleased to arrange an individual introduction to library services specific to your needs. In the first instance you should contact Disability Services who will make a referral and provide us with an initial assessment of your requirements.
University staff should contact the library site representative directly.
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Access
University Library:
Users with mobility problems may access the University Library via the lifts situated in the Student Union building. To make arrangements to activate your University ID card to access this lift, please contact the Disability Office. The Library extends to 5 levels which are accessible via an internal lift. Wheelchair accessible toilets are situated on Level 2 (Men) and Level 3 (Women) of the Library.Cass Learning Resource Centre:
The LRC, which is situated on the first floor, can be reached by any of the three passenger lifts at the front of the Cass Building.West Smithfield Library:
Users with mobility problems can access all parts of the West Smithfield library from the 3rd floor. Please request staff assistance from the main West Smithfield reception desk.Whitechapel Library:
Users with mobility problems can access the library from the lift on the 4th floor which is adjacent to the corridor containing the library entrance.Inns of Court School of Law Library:
The Library entrance is situated on the lower ground floor, via a flight of stairs. Students with mobility problems can access the library via a lift at ground floor level using the entrance to the building opposite the School Office. Designated students will be able to operate the lift with their swipe card. All floors of the library are accessible via an internal lift. Wheelchair accessible toilets are on the lower ground floor, near the lift.
Low level enquiry points
University Library:
Service points have been designed with low level areas to facilitate access for wheelchair users. Low level catalogues terminals are available on the desks opposite the entrance to the Short Loan Collection on Level 2 and near the entrance to levels 3, 4 and 5.
Cass Learning Resource Centre:
There is a dedicated catalogue terminal available at standard desk height. At the service desk there is a section also at standard desk height, shared with the IT help desk but available when required for handing across library books or papers.
West Smithfield Library:
The public service point is accessible to wheelchair users. Low level catalogue terminals are available throughout the library.
Whitechapel Library:
The public service point is accessible to wheelchair users. Catalogue terminals are situated at tables opposite the service point which are of a suitable height for wheelchair access.
Inns of Court School of Law Library:
There is a low level enquiry point designed to facilitate access for wheelchair users on the lower ground floor, adjacent to the lift. There are 2 PCs on the lower ground floor that are designated as priority use for wheelchair users. If you wish to book a designated PC for your use in advance of arrival, please telephone 020 7400 3605.
Extended loan period
Users needing to arrange for books to be transcribed to another format may arrange to borrow 7 Day Loans for an extended period of 2 weeks. Renewal of this material is for 7 days only. Please contact your local site representative to put this arrangement in place.
Short loan items are not included in extended loan arrangements.
Please note that the loan period of heavily requested items will automatically be reduced to 7 days.
Library guides and leaflets in alternative formats
All leaflets can be supplied in electronic format, in large print format or on different coloured paper. Please ask at your local site and allow up to one week for production.
Enlarged text on library catalogues
To activate the text enlargement on the catalogue terminals in the library, hold down the Ctrl key and scroll using the mouse wheel. Alternatively, hold down the Ctrl key and press the + or – key to increase or decrease text to desired size. To reset, hold down the Alt key and press F4.
Please note: this functionality is not available on the ICSL library system.
Self-service renewals and reservations
A 24 hour renewal service is available by telephone on 020 7040 8191 and via the library web site on http://www.city.ac.uk/library/. An option to hear titles and due dates of items you have on loan is available via the telephone renewal service. Details may also be obtained on line via the library web site.
Reservations may be placed via the library web site and the public access catalogues available at all library sites. If you have difficulty using these services, a member of staff will be happy to assist you.
Please note that in order to access self-service functions it is necessary to create a four digit PIN for your Library account. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance to set this up
Inns of Court School of Law Library:
Telephone 020 7400 3605 during opening hours to renew items on loan or place a hold on an item that is already out on loan.
Inter-library loans
Material that is unavailable at this Library can be obtained from via inter-library loan at a cost of £3 per item. Staff at service points will be able to assist you if you have difficulty completing forms.
Assistance with catalogue searches
Users needing assistance in using the library catalogues should ask at library enquiry desks. Please note that during busy periods it is not always possible to check long lists although staff will respond as quickly as possible.
Assistance with retrieving material
Users may request that materials be collected in advance of their visit. This service is available with half a day’s notice.
Email or telephone your requests to:
|
University Library |
|
|---|---|
|
Cass Learning Resource Centre |
|
|
West Smithfield Library |
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|
Whitechapel Library |
|
|
Inns of Court School of Law |
020 7400 3605 |
|
E- Learning Services |
020 7040 3141 |
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We can only process one request for you per day.
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This service does not extend to journal material. A member of staff at an enquiry desk will assist you in retrieving material between 11am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. See section below ‘Access for personal assistants’.
Photocopy cards may be purchased at the service desks. Recharging machines are used to add value to photocopying cards, all of which also issue receipts.
If a receipt is required for a photocopying card please ask library staff at time of purchase.
We regret that library staff are unable to offer assistance with photocopying. See section below ‘Access for personal assistants’.
Inns of Court School of Law Library:
Library staff may be able to help with photocopying, subject to staff availability.
Access for personal assistants, non-medical helpers and carers
Users with visual impairments may request an additional card to allow access for a named person to accompany you on visits to Library Information Services in order to assist with retrieval of material or with photocopying.
Please contact your local site representative to arrange for a card. Please note that as cards are produced outside the library, it can take up to 2 weeks to be processed.
Hearing loop
A portable hearing loop is available at the University Library. Please ask if you require staff to use it when serving you.
Assistive technology and equipment
University Library Assistive Technology Centre
Located on Level 2 of the University Library. The Centre is equipped with 3 student build computers with scanners; 3 clear desk study spaces; one CCTV video magnifier and one printer. All tables are height adjustable. The centre is available for all students.
Three individual assistive technology rooms are also provided on Level 2 of the University Library. Each room is equipped with a student build computer and scanner. All tables are height adjustable. Students wishing to use these rooms should contact Disability Services in the first instance. These rooms can be booked in advance by clicking the links below:
The following software is provided:
|
Room |
Software |
How to book this room |
|---|---|---|
|
Assistive Technology Room 1
|
Dragon Kurzweil 1000 TextHelp Inspiration |
|
|
Assistive Technology Room 2
|
Dragon JAWS ZoomText Kurzweil 1000 TextHelp Inspiration |
|
|
Assistive Technology Room 3
|
Dragon ZoomText Kurzweil 3000 TextHelp Inspiration |
|
Software Availability
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TextHelp Read & Write Gold is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library and in all centrally managed computer rooms.
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Inspiration is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library and in centrally managed computer rooms.
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Dragon Naturally Speaking is available in the 3 individual assistive technology rooms at the University Library.
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JAWS is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library.
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ZoomText 9 is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library.
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Kurzweil 1000 is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library.
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Kurzweil 3000 is available in the assistive technology centre at the University Library.
Related equipment
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A range of adaptive equipment is available to borrow from the University Library Reception desk for use within the library. It will be possible to book some of this equipment in advance through the library catalogue.
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The equipment includes: a range of adaptive mice and keyboards; a laptop stand; headphones; personal lighting; a document holder; and a portable magnifier.
Assistive Technology at other Library sites
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A CCTV video magnifier is available for use at the Westsmithfield and Whitechapel sites. Contact the site representatives for details.
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Each site also has one PC with large print keyboard.back to top
Useful Links
- City University Disability Office (www.city.ac.uk/disability) - the University Disability Office provides information and support for students with disabilities.
- British Dyslexia Association (www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk) - information and support for people with dyslexia.
- Disability Alliance (www.disabilityalliance.org) - charity involved in assessing and teaching people with dyslexia.
- RADAR (www.radar.org.uk) - national organisation campaigning for equal rights for disabled people.
- RNIB (www.rnib.org.uk) - Royal National Institute for the Blind. Supports people with sight problems in the UK including providing talking books, computer training, campaigning and funding research.
- RNID (www.rnid.org.uk) - Royal National Institute for Deaf People. Campaigns and lobbies, provides information and raises awareness of deafness and hearing loss.
- SKILL (www.skill.org.uk) - National Bureau for Students with Disabilities. Promotes opportunites, training and employment for students with disabilities.
- TechDis (www.techdis.ac.uk) - JISC-funded service which provides information and advice to institutions on the use of IT and supporting and enabling people with disabilities.
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