Services for students with a disability, medical condition or other needs
We aim to make our library services inclusive to all, but we recognise that some students benefit from specific facilities that we can offer as appropriate. The services and facilities detailed below are available to students who have had particular needs identified after assessment by the Disability Service. Please contact the Disability Service if you think that you would benefit from any of these services.
Alternative formats
If you have a print disability (cognitive or physical), you may be entitled to access books, lecture notes and other material in an alternative format. For example, you may be provided with a PDF copy of a book if you have a disability which inhibits your handling of a print copy, or if you have a specific learning difficulty that means you would benefit from being able to use screen reading software with the text. Alternative formats are provided by the Transcription Centre, but the service is authorised by the Disability Service. Please contact the Disability Service if you think you would benefit from this service.
All open access campus PCs have a range of assistive technology tools, including read aloud software, which may also be helpful.
Specialist Equipment for Loan
You can borrow the following equipment from the Information Desk in the Library. Some items might not held at your campus library, but we will arrange for available items to be sent from our other libraries.
- Digital Voice Recorders
- Infra-red hearing loops
- Flipcams
You may also be able to borrow a laptop under one of our specific schemes. Please see the section on Laptops for more information.
You will need your university ID card and a form completed by the Disability Service to get extended loans on a laptop and Digital Voice Recorder and will be required to complete a Loan Equipment Agreement. If the piece of equipment you need is not currently in stock at your campus library, staff can arrange to have it transferred for you.
Use of the Visually Impaired Resources Room
A dedicated study space is available on Level 2 of Singleton Park Library where visually impaired students and their helpers can work. Students must have their card activated to enable access to the room, which has specialist equipment available for specific students. If you have been identified as needing access to the room, you can get your card activated at the Information Desk.
In Bay Library, there is a dedicated study space for visually impaired students in the Postgraduate Study Room in the South Wing. Students must have their card activated to enable access to the room. Please ask at the Bay Library Information Desk for help to do this.
Lockers
Lockers for storage are available to students who have this identified in their needs assessment. Lockers are in the Study Hall of Singleton Park Library and near the entrance to the North Wing in Bay Library. Visit the Information Desk in Singleton Park Library or Bay Library with the form from the Disability Service to get a locker assigned.
Library Membership for Helpers
Helpers are allowed to have their own borrowing facilities in the library. Please visit the Information Desk in Singleton Park Library or in Bay Library to arrange this.