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Quincentenary Library

Jesus College, Jesus Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8BL

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Jesus College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Jesus College is situated just to the north of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Victoria Avenue. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 3 main car parks at Jesus College which are located close to Chapel Court, North Court and Library Court. There are 2 designated parking bays for Blue Badge holders which are located in the Chapel Court Car Park. The College advise that if you are visiting West Court you may find it easier to park in the accessible bays in Jesus Lane which are closer. If you are visiting and require on-site parking please contact the College ahead of your journey to make sure a parking space is available. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes.
    • View information on getting to Jesus College (opens new tab)
    • View information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge (opens new tab)
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located in Jesus Lane. Step-free access is via a push pad activated gate and a ramp (Photographs 1 and 2). The minimum width of the gate opening and ramp is 94cm. Push pad heights are approximately 100cm. The exit push pad is positioned in advance of the ramp and the gate closing time has been delayed to allow people sufficient time to use the ramp when exiting. Immediately beyond the entrance is a level paved walkway called The Chimney (Photograph 3) which leads to the Porters' Lodge.
    • Pedestrians can also access the College site via the West Court entrance in Jesus Lane where there is step-free access with automatic doors (Photographs 3 and 4 - please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).
      Staff and students with key cards also have the option of accessing the site via the vehicle entrance in Lower Park Street (Photograph 6) where there is a pedestrian gate with a key card reader (at a height of 103cm). The gateway is narrow (72cm) and the surface uneven so this may not be suitable for some people. There is an intercom at a height of 122cm so staff may be able to open the vehicle gates if the pedestrian gate is unsuitable.
      Key card holders can also access the site via the main vehicle exit in Jesus Lane where there is also a pedestrian gate (Photograph 7). The gate opens automatically away from you when activated by a key card. Access here is level and the gateway is wide (165cm). The height of the key card reader is 95cm. There is also an intercom for those requiring assistance. The height of the intercom is 123cm.
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge bays in the Chapel Court Car Park the nearest step-free route to Chapel Court is via the Angel Archway (Photograph 8 - the nearest entrance, Boaty Archway, has a step over the threshold).
      If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park. The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage. When parking at the Library Court/Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The Jesus College site is mostly level with paved surface paths that run around the edges of the various courtyards and links them together. Most of the paths are wide (150cm+), even and there are some bench seats for resting.
    • There may be some areas where the paths are more narrow, less smooth or the paving slightly uneven but generally there is step-free, flat access around the external areas of the site (Photographs 9-15). There are some steps at one side of Library Court (Photograph 16) but these can be bypassed by using the path on the opposite side. There is a short steep slope on the path that links Chapel Court to Library Court via the Chapel itself (Photograph 17). There are also short steep ramps in the passageway at G Stair leading off Cloister Court towards J, K, L Stairs and Chapel Court (Photograph 18). The path running to the rear of West Court, next to The Orchard, has a slight slope leading down past the Café Bar (Photograph 19).
    • There is not much directional signage around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. There are wall mounted maps at the Angel and North Archways (Photograph 20) and paper copies can be provided on request from the Porters' Lodge.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Jesus College have stepped access once inside. (Photographs 21 - 24). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. In most of the main listed stairs you can expect to find 15+ unmarked steps with at least one handrail or banister.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located beneath Coleridge Room, off Pump Court and there are also smaller adapted toilet facilities within K Stairs.
    • Accessible toilet and standard toilet facilities are located off Cloister Courtyard.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Morgan Avenue, off Victoria Avenue.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Chapel Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Angel Archway.
    • There is a one-way system in place, vehicles exit the site via Jesus Lane.
      The 2 designated parking bays are located close to Boaty Archway (Photograph 7) but the accessible pedestrian route into the site is via Angel Archway (Photograph 8).
      There is additional overflow parking on the grass by the rugby pitch (Photograph 9).

Site/Campus Car Park (North Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the North of the site, near North and Second Court.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in North Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park (Photograph 6). The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage (Photograph 7).
      There is a site map within the North Archway (Photograph 8).

Site/Campus Car Park (Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located just before the site vehicle exit in Jesus Lane.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Library Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • When parking at the Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway (Photograph 7).

Getting To (Quincentenary Library)

  • Location View
    • The Quincentenary Library is situated towards the South East of the Campus.
    • The library can be accessed off Library Court via a slight slope or a set of steps.
      The library can be accessed via a steep slope from Garden Court.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Quincentenary Library.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; The Quincentenary Library Building contains the main library facilities for Jesus College. The library is situated on the ground, first and second floors.
      The staff office is located on the ground floor. The Kwok Computer Room is located on the ground floor. There are two group study rooms: the Garden Room is on the ground floor and the EDS Room is on the first floor.
      Quiet Study (Creswick Room) is located on the first floor.
    • Jesus College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the right as you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located to the left as you exit the lift on the first floor.

Approach (Library Court)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with no handrails.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.

Approach (Garden Court)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • There are doorways with a width of 114cm and 110cm on approach from Garden Court.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off Library Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 95cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 103cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are separate automatic single doors to enter and exit the building.
    • The single doors to the right are used to access the building and the single automatic doors to the left are used to exit the building.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is stepped access to back spiral staircase, light reading collection, lost property and locker room on the ground floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and stone.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • There is a key card operated automatic door to access the Kwok Computer Room on the ground floor. This room is not operated by library staff.

Step(s) (Access to the Back Spiral Staircase, Light Reading Collection, Lost Property and Locker Room)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to the left after you enter.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Other Floors (Back Spiral Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left after you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • There are also manual, heavy, single doors to exit the stairwell on the first and second floors (photograph 4).
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • These stairs are located after the you overcome the stepped level change.
      The stairs are located to the right after you enter, accessing the ground and first floors (photograph 5).

Lift

  • The lift is located to the left after you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 155cm (4ft 1in x 5ft 1in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and stone.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Self Service Machines View
    • There is a/are self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
    • The self service book borrow/return machine(s) is/are located in the entrance foyer near the reception.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 110cm and 132cm.
  • Library Services View
    • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 72cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Hand Held Magnifiers, Ergonomic Chairs and Coloured Overlays.
    • Library resources such as posters and leaflets can be provided in different formats upon request.
      There are two whiteboards available within the library.
      Bean bags are available throughout the library.
      During the Easter Term, ear plugs are provided to students.
      There are several lamps around the library that work as SAD lamps.
    • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
    • There is stepped access to the light reading collection.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Second Floor - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is fair.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 95cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, general waste (with lid) and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 144cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left as you exit the lift on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two shared toilets.