Information Services

Western General Hospital Library

This is an overview of access facilities at the Western General Hospital Library and how we assist disabled users.

Access

A photograph of the Western General Library entrance, which is a glass entrance with Medical Library written sideways and a door

If you are a student at the university and wish to enquire about individual adjustments such as study rooms available at other University of Edinburgh Campuses and reduced cost printing you should contact the Disability and Learning Support Service as soon as possible. Their contact details can be found at the bottom of this webpage. None of the services mentioned in this document are instead of support you may receive from the Disability and Learning Support Service.

The Library is based at the Western General Hospital Campus and the most direct access is via Porterfield Road. The Library is situated in the Medical Education Centre, on the 3rd floor of the Outpatients Building in the Western General Hospital. There is lift and stair access to the 3rd floor – please be aware that only lift number 35 stops on the 3rd floor.

The WGH Library currently is not accessible for those unable to evacuate by stairs, and alternative provisions are available. Material from the WGH Library can be delivered to other Edinburgh University Libraries. To arrange delivery, please contact the WGH Library.

Phone: 0131 651 8761

Email: IS.Helpline@ed.ac.uk

Helpdesk services

  • The helpdesk has a lowered height section and an induction loop installed.
  • Coloured acetates, a portable desk lamp and an A4 page magnifier are available to borrow.
  • All library documents such as leaflets are available in alternative formats upon request.
  • A library trolley can be borrowed if you find it difficult to carry books.
  • Extended borrowing is available for disabled students and is arranged via the Disability and Inclusive Learning Service.
  • A book collection service is available and books can be sent to other Edinburgh University Libraries if other locations are more accessible for you.
  • Induction tours can also be arranged.
  • Staff will be happy to assist in whatever way you need such as helping with printers and photocopiers to collecting books etc.

Accessible toilets

The nearest accessible toilet is located in the Medical Education Centre, on the same side of the building as the Library. From the Library, the accessible toilet is towards the end of the corridor, the other side of the lockers.

IT services

The University of Edinburgh computers are situated in the Quiet Study Room opposite to the Library, Computer Lab 1 and non-bookable Dry Lab, both located next to the Medical Directorate Office - Mind mapping software and TextHelp Read and Write are available on all University computers.

Furniture and study rooms

A photograph of desks inside the Western General Library, with book shelves behind the desks in the background.

There are two adjustable height desks, one in the Library close to the entrance, and one in the Quiet Study Room, opposite to the Library. There are no rooms specifically for disabled students but you may be eligible to use the accessible individual study rooms in the Main Library in George Square. To arrange this students should contact the Disability and Learning Support Service (details at end of this webpage).

 

Fire Evacuation

If you require assistance to evacuate in an emergency you should ensure you have a PEEP /PEAP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan). To arrange a PEEP/PEAP for this building please contact your school for more information.

The WGH Library currently is not accessible for those unable to evacuate by stairs, and alternative provisions are available. Material from the WGH Library can be delivered to other University of Edinburgh Libraries. To arrange delivery, please contact the WGH Library.

Useful contacts

Western General Hospital University Library

The Western General Hospital University library website has information on opening hours and contact details.

Disability and Inclusive Learning Service

Will provide advice and support for disabled students and students with specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia).

Disability and Learning Support Service

  • The University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Street

Disability and Learning Support Service
University of Edinburgh
Health & Wellbeing Centre
7 Bristo Square

City
Edinburgh
Post Code
EH8 9AL

Alternative formats

If you require this document in an alternative format please contact Viki Galt, Head of Disability Information.

Viki Galt

Head of Disability Information

  • Information Services

Contact details

Address

Street

Argyle House
Floor F West
3 Lady Lawson Street

City
Edinburgh
Post Code
EH3 9DR

BSL users can contact us via Contact  Scotland BSL, the on-line British Sign Language interpreting service. Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website.