Library accessibility

The Cambridge Libraries accessibility LibGuide is a good general guide to accessibility around Cambridge. 

We have full accessibility information for the Library, plus a detailed guide for the whole site on AccessAble.

Accessibility in the library

We can offer 1:1 inductions to the library. Please let us know if you would like one in advance.

The librarians are always willing to consider anything else that you think might help you; please let us know your ideas.

Key accessibility features

• There is level access to the library building from Garden Court and the south side of Library Court.  You enter the building via an automatic door with card access. Entry to the Kwok Computer Room is also via an automatic door
• If you have trouble with gaining access then please ring the doorbell or contact the librarians on +44 (0)1223 339451 or the Porter’s Lodge on +44 (0)1223 339339
• The checkout computers are low enough for use by anyone who uses a wheelchair
• There is a lift to all three floors of the library
• There is a handrail on both sides of the main staircase and on one side of the spiral stairs
• We have three non-binary toilets in the building and one of them is also an accessible toilet
• The accessible toilet is on the top floor, next to the lift; there is an emergency pull alarm in the room
• We have beanbags placed around the library for those who need to raise their feet
• We have 14 non-adjustable standing desks in the library
• Many of our chairs are fully adjustable chairs with wheels
• We have over 50 bookstands for you to use in the building
• We have fans and lamps dotted around the building and several of the lamps work as SAD lamps
• We have two group study rooms (Garden and EDS Rooms) and one room that is designated for quiet study (Creswick Room)
• The library is open 24/7.

Finding, borrowing and returning books

• We can offer a click and collect service when needed
• This library follows the university’s autorenewal system, so that you only need to bring your borrowed books back to the building once a year
• If you have been assigned a helper from the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) then please let us know so that we can arrange for them to have a library induction and set up an account for them to borrow books on your behalf
• We are happy to help you to find books on the shelves if you are having trouble finding them; please just ask us
• The University has made some short videos to help you find items on the book catalogue iDiscover, and to provide information on how to borrow books
• Please see these links to the ebooks and eresource Libguides.

Accessibility collection

• The library has a collection of coloured overlays that you can borrow
• We have a magnifying glass and a page magnifying glass
• We supply earplugs to users in the Easter term
• There are two white boards in the library for group use. 

Please let us know if there are any library resources (posters, leaflets, etc.) that you would prefer to be in an alternative format.

More information about College accessibility can be found on the College accessibility page.