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Library

Newnham College, Sidgwick Hall - Ground Floor, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DF

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Newnham College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Newnham College is situated just south west of Cambridge city centre in Sidgwick Avenue which can be accessed from the A603. Please note that Silver Street is closed to cars for part of the day and has a ‘tidal flow’ system for the rest. At most times it will be easier, when approaching the College from the southern part of Cambridge, to use Fen Causeway. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 4 car parks at Newnham College; Visitors Car Park, Clough Car Park, Peile Car Park and the Sportsfield Car Park. Blue Badge parking is available in the Visitor Car Park and also an additional parking bay in the Clough Car Park. Anyone requiring on-site parking will need prior permission. For short-term visitors and for those with disabilities it is helpful to contact the Head Porter in advance. Students are 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. Newnham College has several bicycle storage facilities. The main one being the bike shed that runs between Newnham Walk and Sidgwick Avenue, parallel to the Rosalind Franklin Building. There are also cycle stands in the Clough and Peile car parks.
    • For more information on getting to Newnham College please click here (opens new tab)
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is via the Porters’ Lodge which is located in Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Visitors Car Park. Access is via a sloped walkway with a slight gradient leading to an automatic door with an opening width of 92cm. The sloped walkway bypasses 4 steps (Photographs 1 and 2). From the Porters' Lodge there is internal step-free access to the ground floors of the Dorothy Garrod and Fawcett Buildings and out to the gardens.
    • There is also step-free access to Clough Building from Sidgwick Avenue via the slight ramp leading to the Buttery Street Entrance. The ramp bypasses 1 step (Photograph 3). This entrance has a single automatic door with an opening width of 114cm (Photograph 4). A key card is required is to activate this entrance. The height of the key card reader is 88cm. Alternatively, there is the Kennedy Street Door which is located further along Sidgwick Avenue and gives access to the Kennedy Building (Photographs 5 and 6). This entrance has a manual door, which may be difficult for some to open, with an opening width of 78cm. There is a 4cm step at the entrance which is not clearly marked. A key card is required for this entrance. The height of the key card reader is 110cm.
    • In addition to the entrances in Sidgwick Avenue the College site can also be accessed via the Peile Building. The entrance to that building is located in the Peile Car Park but was out of use at the time of the survey due to construction works (Photograph 7). There is also a long, level gravel footpath leading into the College site from the Sportsfield Car Park which can be accessed from Barton Road (Photograph 8). This footpath can also be accessed via a single manual pedestrian gate at the end of Clare Road (Photograph 9). The gate is heavy and has an opening width of 137cm. This gate is open between 07.00 and 20.30.
    • Finally, there are several access points to the College site in Newnham Walk. The Pfeiffer Gate at the end of Newnham Walk has both a pedestrian and a vehicle gate (Photograph 10) which give access to the gardens via a passageway through the Pfeiffer Building. The pedestrian gate is held open and has an opening width of 80cm. The surface immediately beyond the gate has a slight gradient up then down (Photograph 11). For those with key cards there are 2 more step-free gates along Newnham Walk which give access to the College site at either side of the Dorothy Garrod Building (Photographs 12 and 13). Both gates are manual with opening widths of approximately 90cm and card readers at approximately 120cm. There are also key card gates at either end of the bike shed passageway that runs between Newnham Walk and the Visitors Car Park (Photographs 14-16). The gates open automatically when activated but the gate at the Newnham Walk end does have a 4cm step at the threshold (Photograph 17).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of gravel paths that are flat and mostly wide (120cm-150+cm) (Photographs 18-24). There are many bench seats and deckchairs provided for people to rest. Many of the buildings are connected internally but all buildings can be accessed externally from this network of paths.
    • The small Rose Garden close to the Pfeiffer Building is accessed via 6 steps that do not have handrails or markings (Photograph 25). There are also 6 unmarked steps, without handrails, for access to a raised area with a monument and stone seats in the Western Garden, in front of the Peile Building (Photographs 26 and 27). Close to the Old Labs there is bench seat shelter which is accessed via a paved path which is quite uneven (Photograph 28). There are 2 steps leading up to the seating compartments (Photograph 29).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is step-free access into most of the buildings on the College site and there are also lifts in the Clough Building (Photographs 30 and 31) which give access to the upper floors in that building and also the connected buildings such as Sidgwick and Kennedy.
    • There is not much directional signage (Photographs 32 and 33 show the map boards that were seen along 2 of the paths) around the external areas of the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Porters’ Lodge (please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Visitors Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Porters' Lodge.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porter's Lodge and the Rosalind Franklin Building.
    • 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 available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 450cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Porters' Lodge.

Getting To (The Library)

  • Location View
    • The Library is located on the ground floor of Newnham College, in the Sidgwick Building.
    • The Library is accessed via the Porters' Lodge entrance through the Fawcett Building, or via the Buttery Entrance .
    • There is limited wayfinding signage along the route to the Library.
    • Newnham College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in Sidgwick Avenue.
    • This entrance gives access to the Porters' Lodge and Dorothy Garrod Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'PORTERS' LODGE'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 118cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • 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 along the walkway leading to the entrance.
    • 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.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located between the Sidgwick Avenue path and the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 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 in the centre of the step(s).
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The sloped walkway leading to the entrance has a block paving surface and is slightly uneven in places.
    • A key card is only required at this entrance between 00.00 and 06.00.

Outside Access (Library Corridor Garden Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the garden.
    • This entrance gives access to the library corridor on the ground floor of Newnham College, in the Sidgwick Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 120cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • There is a button to unlock the door for exit at a height of 121cm (Photographs 5 and 6).

Entrance

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of Newnham College, in Sidgwick.
    • This entrance gives access to the Library.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • 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.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 102cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
    • There is a key card reader at the second set of doors at a height of 102cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the right between the 2 sets of doors at the entrance to the Library.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the first set of doors at the Library 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.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 95cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • 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 tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • The enquiries desk is also located to the right as you enter the Library, beyond the second set of doors. The enquiries desk runs along the front right of the Library.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet, vinyl, tiles and wood.
    • 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 not a/are no self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
  • Library Services View
    • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
    • Braille, Large Print and Audio can be provided via the main University Library service or the University Disability Resource Centre.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 69cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Hand Held Magnifiers and Ergonomic Chairs.
    • Blue paper is available for printing.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: Mindview and Texthelp Read&Write.
    • Additional resources are available on referral to the main University Library service or the University Disability Resource Centre. Assistive technologies include Anki, Natural Reader, Workrave, ATBar, and Microsoft Tellme.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
    • Some of the flooring is glass. An order and collect service is available (Photograph 19). The walkways on the first floor in the Old Library are narrow (58cm wide, Photograph 20). There is a self issue computer without touchscreen on the left hand side of the library lobby, between the 2 sets of doors as you enter the Library entrance (Photographs 21 and 22). The scanner is set to scan the barcode of a book placed on the worksurface. The height of the worksurface is 93cm. There is a lowered self issue workstation just inside the Library at a height of 71cm (Photographs 23 and 24). The return slots are 77cm from the floor.

Other Floors (New Library)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter the Library.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the Library entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, G, 1.
    • 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 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 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 moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • These stairs have open risers.

Other Floors (New Library Secondary Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the Library.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Library entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, G, 1.
    • 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 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 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 Floors (Old Library)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left hand side of the Library, in the centre of the Old Library.
    • The stairs are approximately 13m from the Library entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 12 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • These stairs have open risers. There is another staircase, without open risers to access this area at the front left of the Library (Photographs 4-8). This staircase is on a spiral turn.

Lift

  • The lift is located at the right hand side of the Library as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Library 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 -1, G, 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • 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 79cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 139cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does 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.

Teaching/Seminar Room(s) (Group Study Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 71cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The Group Study Room is located on the first floor of the Library.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (First Floor)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the first floor, to the rear left of the New Library as you exit the lift.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the first floor of the Old Library.
    • 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.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Sidgwick - Ground Floor - Library Corridor - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of Sidgwick, along the Library Corridor leading from the Buttery Street Entrance to the Library.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Buttery Street 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 poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • 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 161cm x 225cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 105cm 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 167cm 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 poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access from the Library Corridor when accessed from the Porters' Lodge, but ramped access from the Buttery Street Entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is 4m from the Buttery Garden Entrance.

Standard Toilet(s) (Library Lobby)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the left hand side of the Library Lobby, between the 2 sets of doors at the entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the first set of doors at the Library Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • 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 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Sidgwick - Ground Floor - Library Corridor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the ground floor of Sidgwick, along the corridor leading from the Buttery Street Entrance to the Library.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the Buttery Street Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • 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 76cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is level access from the Library Corridor when accessed from the Porters' Lodge, but ramped access from the Buttery Street Entrance. The standard toilet is 5m from the Buttery Garden Entrance.