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The National Archives - Library and Reading Rooms

The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU

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Access Guide

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Access To

  • The library and reading rooms are on the first and second floors. They are accessed via the lift and are located on the left as you exit the lift.
  • The distance from the lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.

Room (Open Reading Room - First Floor)

  • The room is located on left as you exit the lift.
  • The distance from the lift is 3m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are security barriers at the entrance with a width of 96cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and benches.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables and desks.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Counter (Readers Registration Desk - First Floor)

  • The counter is located at the rear of the open reading room on the left.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • Please note that to access the counter, visitors must pass through the security barriers, which are 96cm wide, when entering the open reading room.
  • The height of the counter is 89cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 71cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Room (Clore Learning Centre - First Floor)

  • The room is located to the right of the readers registration desk.
  • The distance from the lift is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 178cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: benches and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Room (Learning Spaces 1 - First Floor)

  • The room is located to the right of the open reading room.
  • The distance from the lift is 50m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 104cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: long tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Learning Spaces 2 - First Floor)

  • The room is located at the rear of the auditorium.
  • The distance from the lift is 60m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Designated Seating (Auditorium - First Floor)

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located on the right as you enter the open reading room.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 104cm.
  • The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed .
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies (dependent on match/event).
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
  • The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
  • The accessible toilet is located next to the lift.

Counter (Research Enquiries Desk - First Floor)

  • The counter is located on the right as you enter the library.
  • The distance from the lift is 30m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 71cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has a television.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Library

  • There is step-free level access throughout the library.
  • Access throughout the library may include narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs without armrests, chairs with armrests and armchairs.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables and height adjustable tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ejournal and ebook.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: ergonomic chairs, document holders and handheld magnifiers.
  • Computers have Microsoft accessibility software installed.

Room (Prayer Room - First Floor)

  • The room is located at the rear of the library on the right.
  • The distance from the lift is 90m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Security Access Point to Document Reading Room)

  • This entrance is located at the approach to the Document Reading Room.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • There are security bollards at this entrance with a slight slope up and slight slope down with no handrails. The width between each bollard is 92cm.
  • There is an opening without doors.

Counter (Help Point Document Reading Room - First Floor)

  • The counter is located opposite the document reading room entrance.
  • The distance from the lift is 40m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 71cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Counter (Document Returns - First Floor)

  • The counter is located opposite the document reading room entrance.
  • The distance from the lift is 50m.
  • There is step-free level access via lift to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 105cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Document Reading Room - First Floor)

  • The room is located opposite the help point at the document reading room.
  • The distance from the lift is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double automatic doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 151cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: long tables and desks.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor to the right of the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 3m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 157cm (width) x 257cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 84cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hook is 148cm from the floor.
    • The coat hooks are 115cm and 148cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 95cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Map and Large Document Reading Room - Second Floor)

  • The room is located on the left as you exit the lift.
  • The distance from the lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope into the room.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • There are two sets of security barriers after the entrance doors. The first set has a slight ramp up and down with no handrails and a width of 94cm. The second set has a dark mat with and a width of 93cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: height adjustable tables and tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Counter (Research Enquiries Desk - Second Floor)

  • The counter is located on the right as you enter the document reading room.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 71cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Entrance (Document Collection - Second Floor)

  • This entrance is located on the left at the far end of the document reading room.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 119cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.

Counter (Document Collection - Second Floor)

  • The counter is located on the left at the far end of the document reading room.
  • The distance from the lift is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the counter has manual doors and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 98cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the second floor to the right of the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 3m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 237cm (width) x 258cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 109cm and 147cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.