Access Guide
Introduction
- Oxfordshire County Library is located on the Upper Ground Level of Westgate Oxford Shopping Centre.
Please click on the links below to view access details for the shopping centre. - Westgate Oxford - Car Park link (new tab) - click here.
- Westgate Oxford - Ground Level link (new tab) - click here.
- Westgate Oxford - Upper Ground Level link (new tab) - click here.
- Westgate Oxford - Roof Terrace link (new tab) - click here.
Location
- The venue is located within Westgate Oxford.
- The venue is in a pedestrian area.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Oxford.
Opening Hours
Parking
- Please refer to the separate Westgate Oxford Car Park guide for parking details.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the upper ground level of the shopping centre.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 220cm.
- 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 215cm.
Reception (Main Library)
- The desk/counter is 27m (29yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 25/11/2019.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- There is a touch screen.
- The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
Reception (Children's Library)
- The desk/counter is 14m (15yd 11in) from the children's library entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a touch screen.
- The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 25/11/2019.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- MJB - Removed photo of sofa - no longer used.
Library (Main Library)
- This library does have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does not have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
- Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a magnifying glass.
Library (Children's Library)
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does not have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
- Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a magnifying glass.
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Comments
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- MJB - The door width on entry is 105cm and a smaller door of 39cm.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter the library.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Main Entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 145cm x 157cm (4ft 9in x 5ft 2in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
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Comments
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- One lift was out of order on day of survey.
- There are two identical lifts.
Accessible Toilet (First Floor. Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 189cm x 232cm (6ft 2in x 7ft 7in).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 122cm (4ft).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is not an emergency alarm.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 78cm (2ft 7in).
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Comments
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- There is another accessible toilet to the right, with the lateral transfer space on the left (photographs 4 and 5).
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
Additional Info
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents are available in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.
- Home visits / services are available.