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Library and Information Services Building

Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
    • Keele University Library is located off Keele Hall Road, up the hill from Union Square.
  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; study areas, study and training rooms, archives; and the library, including an assistive technology room.
      The building also houses the IT Service Desk, and computer laboratories.
    • The building is arranged into the ground floor, the middle floor, and the top floor.
      This guide is arranged to lead the visitor into the building from the accessible entrance on the ground floor to the main services accessible from the middle floor.
    • Information for library users with disability is available at the Library Support for users with Disabilities page, click here (opens in a new tab).
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • There are ambulant cubicles within the female and male standard toilets on the ground floor.

Opening Times

  • The building is open 24 hours via swipe card.

Useful Information

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Keele University is located between Junctions 15 and 16 on the M6, just west of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Campus is located just off the A525 road from Newcastle-under-Lyme to Whitchurch.
    • Blue Badge holders are able to park in the designated bays throughout the campus. There are Pay and Display car parks available to visitors throughout the campus. Staff require a permit, and can park in the specified staff car parks on campus. Students living off campus are able to purchase a parking permit to park in the student parking zones. Students resident on campus are not permitted to bring a car unless they are studying certain specified courses which require attendance on placements off campus (e.g. medicine, nursing).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 6 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 470cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 23m (25yd 6in) from the accessible Entrance B.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is E2.
    • The car park is located off Keele Hall Road, near Union Square.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance B)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Library & IT Services Entrance B'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 85cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are fixed barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the fixed barriers is 80cm.
    • There is a key card reader to exit. The key card reader is 90cm above the floor. There is an intercom at the exit. The intercom is 88cm above the floor.

Lift (Lift 1)

  • The lift is located to the centre of the building on the ground floor, or behind reception on the middle floor.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 53m (57yd 2ft) from the accessible Entrance B.
  • 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 the ground floor, middle floor, and top floor.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 108cm (5ft 11in x 3ft 7in).
  • 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 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • Lift 1 is located on the ground floor along the main access corridor, past the stairs on the left, then on the right.
    • Lift 1 is approximately 20m from the main entrance on the middle floor.
    • Lift 2 is located 'round the corner' on the opposite side of Lift 1.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the middle floor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 116cm.
    • 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) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 117cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located either side of the entrance.
    • There is/are 24 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Opening Times (Welcome Desk)

  • Monday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Reception (Welcome Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 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 moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 76cm.
    • 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 portable loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and vinyl.
  • 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 91cm.
    • A key card is required to pass through the security barriers.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.

Opening Times (Information Desk)

  • Monday 08:45 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 08:45 - 20:00.
  • Friday 08:45 - 20:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Reception (Information Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the middle floor, on the right hand side of the open plan area facing away from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) 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 not a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no 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 moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 95cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
    • There is 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 staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/09/2024.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is armchair seating in the waiting area.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Entrance (IT Suite)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the middle floor, on the left after the reception desk.
    • This entrance gives access to the IT Suite.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'IT Suite'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 85cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.

Opening Times (IT Service Desk)

  • Monday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Reception (IT Service Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead from the entrance to the IT Suite, on the right.
    • The reception point is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance to the IT Suite.
    • 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 no 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 moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 111cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 73cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and laminate.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • There is seating with armrests available at the reception desk. There is ample further seating within the IT Suite near the reception desk.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, vinyl and laminate.
    • 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 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are seats without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • 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 a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is available at the Information Desk.
    • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the ground floor between the entrance to the archive and the shelving area.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the shelving area.
    • 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.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located on the left after the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 9m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are the ground floor, middle floor, and top floor.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps is 27cm.
    • 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 not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do 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 low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar staircase to the rear of the central lobby, past reception, 21m from the main entrance.
    • There are further similar staircases at either end of the building designated Stairs C and Stairs D.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There are 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 on the middle floor to the left of the Information Desk.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 116cm and 146cm.
  • Library Services View
    • Accessible formats are available by enquiry to, or referral from the Disability Support and Inclusion service, click here for more information (opens in a new tab).
      Information about ebooks and use of ebooks is available at the library Using ebooks page, click here (opens in a new tab).
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • There are some height adjustable desks available.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • Laptops are available to borrow from the library.
    • For more information about borrowing laptops please click here.
    • Auxiliary aids are not available.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Supernova.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
  • Comments View
    • Study desks' surface heights range between 72cm - 76cm.

Assistive Technology Room

  • Room Access View
    • The room is located on the top floor, on the right out of Lift 1.
    • The room is 8m from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the room.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Collaborative Study and Reference collection'.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
    • There is a second similar door signed AV ROOM, on the left after the first door.
  • Room Details View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
    • There is a height adjustable desk in this area.
    • The seats do not have armrests in the room.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Large Key Keyboards and High Visibility Keyboards.
    • There are computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Supernova.
    • The type of flooring in the room is carpet.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, straight ahead out of Lift 1.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Information Desk on the middle floor.
    • 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • 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 164cm x 218cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 medium.
    • 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • 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 and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 125cm from the floor.
  • 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 low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 low.
    • 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 83cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (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 female toilet is located on the ground floor, left out of Lift 1, then along the corridor, near the stairs.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 21m from the lift.
    • 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 available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor, left out of Lift 1, then along the corridor, near the stairs.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 17m from the the lift.
    • 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 available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 of each, female and male standard toilets off the corridor on the ground floor.
    • The ambulant cubicle in the male standard toilet furthest from the stairs does not have a vertical grab rail.