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Library

Robinson College, Grange Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9AN

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Robinson College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Robinson College is situated in Grange Road, to the west of the centre of Cambridge. Grange Road runs between Barton Road and Madingley Road. The best way to approach the College by road from the north, south or east is from Junction 12 of the M11.
    • The only onsite parking at the College is the underground car park which is for staff, fellows and visitors only. Parking at the College is only available for visitors by prior arrangement with a fellow or member of staff. Students are not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements. There is some limited on-street parking around the College including Herschel Road.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes available.
    • For more information on getting to Robinson College by road please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on getting to Robinson College by bicycle 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 located in Grange Road. Access is via a wide and long ramp (approximately 27 metres) that leads up to an open gateway. There are no resting areas along the ramp and it has a steep gradient towards the top (photographs 1 and 2). There is a handrail on the right hand side going up. The width of the open gateway at the top is 220cm. The main entrance gives access to Front Court which is an open space from which walkways lead off to other areas. The Porters’ Lodge is also located at the top of the ramp.
    • Staff and students with key cards also have the option of accessing the site via an alternative entrance which is also located off Grange Road. This entrance is known as the Bin Brook Entrance and it has 10 steps leading up to it (photographs 3 and 4). The steps are spaced out (tread depths are approximately 125cm) which may not be suitable for some people. The steps are not marked and have handrails on both sides. This entrance gives access to the Umney Theatre Suite.
    • The only other way to access the site would be via the underground car park and the Long Court lift but this would only apply to staff and visitors.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The main part of the Robinson College site consists of a large red brick building that has external walkways from which the various service and accommodation areas can be accessed (photographs 5-8). To the rear of the main building are the Gardens where some additional standalone buildings are located such as the Crausaz Wordsworth Building and some College Houses and Rooms.
    • The external walkways in the main building all have the same red brick block paving surface and are level. From Front Court (photographs 5 and 6) the walkway to the left is called Herschel Court (photograph 7) and this is where some of the accommodation is located. To the right is the main walkway which is called Long Court (photograph 8) and it is from here that a lot of the main service areas can be accessed.
      There is also an external walkway on the level above Long Court which is called High Court (level 1). Access to High Court is via 18 external steps (photograph 9) with handrails on both sides. The step markings have faded. These steps can be avoided by using the internal lift in the Umney Theatre Suite (photograph 11). High Court also has the same red brick block paving and is level although there are some narrower walkways (92cm – 130cm) along the sections outside P, W and X Stairs (photographs 12 and 13).
    • To access the Gardens you have to go down to -1 level. The lift in the Umney Theatre Suite can be used for this. Alternatively, there is an external stepped walkway from the rear of the Umney Theatre Suite. The steps are spaced out similar to those at the Bin Brook Entrance. There are 10 steps with handrails on both sides. To gain level access to some other service areas on -1 in the main building it may be necessary to use the lift off Long Court which is located next to Stair K. There are some steep slopes along corridors on -1 such as the one leading to the Garden and Seminar Rooms and toilets.
      There is network of paths leading to the key areas around the gardens. After exiting the Umney Theatre lift there are some sloped walkways, with slight gradients, leading outside towards the Bin Brook footbridge (photograph 16). From the footbridge onwards the external paths are mostly flat. The surface of the paths varies between non-slip (footbridge across Bin Brook), tarmac (towards Auditorium), flagstone paving (towards Crausaz Wordsworth Building) and loose chippings (towards Maria Bjornson Outdoor Theatre). There are many bench seats along the routes and in the gardens for resting.
      Just after the footbridge there is also a stepped route to a bench seating area cut into the bank, next to the brook (photographs 21 and 22). There are 4 steps to access this area although it could also be accessed via the grass bank from the larger garden area. There are generally grass slopes in the gardens of varying gradients (photographs 23 and 24). There is a steep slope at the end of the path leading to the Maria Bjornson Outdoor Theatre.
      The flagstone paving on the path leading to the Crausaz Wordsworth Building is slightly uneven in places. At the end of the path there is stepped access up to the building (photograph 25). An enclosed platform lift can be used to overcome the steps (photograph 26).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is stepped access into and between floors in some of the Robinson College building areas (photographs 27 and 28). Many of these can be bypassed by using the lift in Long Court or the Umney Theatre Suite. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings and services.
    • There is extensive directional signage around the college to assist those not familiar with the site (photographs 29-32). Accessible Toilet facilities are available on ground level (between Linnett Room/The Chapel and in the Umney Theatre Suite) and also on -1 level (outside the Garden/Seminar Rooms). Please be aware that the layout and size of these toilet cubicles might mean they are not suitable for all users.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Staff, Fellows and Visitors)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Herschel Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Dining Hall (via lift) and Porters' Lodge (via stairs).
    • The car park type is underground.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 198cm (6ft 6in).
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 220cm x 445cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
  • 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 80m (87yd 1ft) from the Long Court lift.
    • There are a set of manual double doors between the car park and the lift (Photograph 8).
      The right hand leaf is locked which means the opening width is restricted to 72cm.
      The door opens towards you (pull) and has a closer so may be difficult for some people to open.
      After the manual doors there is also a steep downwards slope in the corridor leading to the lift.

Getting To (The Library)

  • Location View
    • The Library is located in the Main Building off Front Court.
    • Front Court can be accessed from the main entrance or from the rear of the site via the Umney Theatre Area and Long Court.
    • There is limited wayfinding signage along the route to the Library.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; The Law Library is located above the main library in Teaching Room 3 and can be accessed via steps to the right of the Library entrance.
    • Teaching Rooms 1-7 link (new tab) - click here.
    • Robinson College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Library Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Front Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Library.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Library'.
    • 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 110cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • 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 (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 122cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • The key card reader is for the second entrance door. There is a doorway on approach to the entrance with a width of 90cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right after you enter the Library.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from 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.
    • 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 100cm.
    • 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.
    • 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.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not 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.

Other Floors (Entrance Floor to Top Floor)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter the Library.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Library entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Entrance Floor to Top Floor.
    • There are 14 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • 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 (Entrance Floor to Lower Floor)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left after you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m 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 Entrance Floor to Lower Floor.
    • There are 14 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 the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not 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.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located to the right after you enter the Library.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Library entrance.
  • The lift is a platform 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 Lower Floor, Entrance Floor and Top Floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 300kg.
  • 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 high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 95cm x 130cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet.
    • There are no 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 to the left after you enter the Library.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 100cm and 125cm.
  • Library Services View
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 66cm in height.
    • There is a height adjustable desk available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Auxiliary aids are not available.
    • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.