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Arts and Social Studies Library

Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3EU

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Access Guide

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English to Welsh Translation

  • Mae’r canllawiau hyn ar gael yn Gymraeg. Dewiswch ‘accessibility’ yn y gornel dde uchaf, clicio ar y symbol iaith ac yna chwilio am ‘Welsh/Cymraeg’.
  • These guides are available in Welsh by selecting accessibility in the top right-hand corner, clicking on the language symbol, and then searching for Welsh.

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; library facilities, study lounge and special collections.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located towards the front right of the building on the ground floor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located towards the front right of the building on the ground floor, first floor and second floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located towards the rear right of the building on the ground floor, first floor and second floor.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located towards the front right of the building on the ground floor.

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building on the floor -1.
    • This entrance gives access to the basement floor stairwell.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Accessible Entrance Assisted Entry only Please use the Intercom / Mynedfa Hygyrch Mynediad Gyda chymorth yn unig Defnyddiwch yr intercom os gwelch yn dda'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The door is kept locked, to use the entrance please contact a member of staff using the intercom who will open it for you.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to Arts and Social Studies Library ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Arts and Social Studies Library / Llyfrgell y Celfyddydau ac Astudiaethau Cymdeithasol'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located either side of the library entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located just inside the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Security Barriers View
    • There are security barriers at the reception.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 65cm.
    • The width of the wider security barriers is 92cm.
    • A key card is required to pass through the security barriers.
    • The height of the key card reader is 96cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is sloped/ramped access to There is a slight ramp to additional seating on the basement floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • 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.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Lounge Additional Seating)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located in the lounge area.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access additional lounge seating.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet.
  • 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 to your left on entrance.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 115cm and 150cm.
  • Library Services View
    • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook, ejournal and audio.
    • Braille and large print documents can be provided upon request.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 73cm in height.
    • There are some height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Laptops are available to borrow from the library.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Large Key Keyboards, a Trackball Mouse, High Visibility/Contrast Keyboards, Coloured Overlays, Adjustable Foot Rests, Hand Held Magnifiers, Document Holders and Ergonomic Chairs.
    • There is a section of moveable shelving accessed by a slight slope as shown in the photographs.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are -1, 0, 1 and 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 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • The lift is located to the rear left of the library.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 900kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 175cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Reception (Special Collections)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the front left of the building on floor -1.
    • The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 74cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Reception (First Floor Help Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in front of you on exiting the lift on the first floor.
    • The reception point is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the lift.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 73cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the front right of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 200cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the rear right of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The toilet can be seen in photographs 1, 2 and 3.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located to the right of the library.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The toilet can be seen in photographs 4, 5, 6 and 7.