Library services for disabled users

What services the libraries offer to assist disabled users, including information and advice on accessing the libraries online resources.

Library services

As standard all our libraries offer the following services

• Disabled users have priority access to the lifts at all times.
• Hearing induction loops at all library helpdesks. If you experience any difficulties with a loop circuit please alert a member of the library helpdesk staff.
• Assistance dogs welcome at all libraries
• Coloured acetates, magnifiers, portable desk lamps and ergonomic mice and mouse mats are available to borrow from all library helpdesks
• Library trolleys can be borrowed by students who have difficulty carrying books
• Al libraries offer a book collection service whenever possible and books can be transferred to the Main Library or from the Main Library to site libraries at your request.
• Library documents such as information leaflets and fire evacuation procedures etc are all available in alternative formats upon request. See the section on alternative formats below.

To get information on the services and access arrangements at each library please click on the link below.

Accessing online library resources

Customising your browser settings will allow you to alter the appearance of our webpages to ensure they are most accessible for you.

The size of font for the library catalogue or library online may normally be enlarged using your brower menu.

To change the browser settings in Internet Explorer:

Click on view' from the menu bar and select 'Increase Font' or 'Text Size'. or by following the steps below.

1. Go to the 'Tools' menu and choose 'Internet Options', click the general tab, then click accessibility. In the window that appears, click on each of these top three check boxes: 'Ignore colours specified on web pages', 'Ignore font styles specified on web pages' and 'Ignore font sizes specified on web pages'. Click OK.
2. Returning to the options window, select 'Colours' and choose a colour for the text and background. If you select 'Windows Colours', the text/background colours will be the same as you choose from the control panel’s 'Display' settings. Click OK.
3. Returning to the options window, select 'Fonts' and choose your preferred style. Click OK.

To change the bowser settings in Firefox:

• Click on the Firefox tab in the top left hand corner of the screen.
• Select "options" from the right hand side drop down menu.
• Select the "content" tab and under fonts and colour select "advanced".
• Deselect the ticked box that says "allow pages to choose their own fonts" an change the font type and size to your preferred option and select OK.
• Then select the "colours tab" under the fonts and colours heading.
• Deselect the boxes that say "use system colours" and "allow the pages to choose their own colours" and then select your preferred colours and click on OK.

Information about the accessibilty of the University website also includes guidance on customisation.

Database accessibility

The Open University produces useful information on the accessibility of many of the commonly used databases and how best to access them.

Library documents in alternative formats

If you require library documents in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, on coloured paper and so on, these can be produced on request by enquiring at the Main Library service helpdesk.

In some cases the document may name an individual at the bottom of the document who may be contacted directly regarding the production of the document in an alternative format.

Further information

Please contact Viki Galt, Head of Disability Information if you require further information. Contact details provided below.

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