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Library

Sidney Sussex College, Sidney Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3HU

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Sidney Sussex College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Sidney Sussex College is situated on the north eastern edge of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the site is located in King Street. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Sidney Sussex College has limited on-site car parking, and so is only available to staff and visitors if requested in advance. The only parking area is located off King Street, to the side of Blundell Court. Students are generally 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. At Sidney Sussex College the main sheltered cycle park is located off Hall Court. There are other bike stands available throughout the College site.
    • For more information on getting to Sidney Sussex 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
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • The nearest bus stop to the College is on Jesus Lane, on the north west edge of the College site, close to the junction with Sidney Street. This is served by the A busway service towards St Ives. There are also bus stops further up Bridge Street, just over 150 metres from the main entrance to the College. The buses to and from the Madingley Road Park and Ride stop here, along with the 5 citi and 6 citi services to the bus station. There is another bus stop a similar distance from the College but in the opposite direction, on Hobson Street outside Christ’s College. The bus services that stop here include 1 citi, 2 citi, 3 citi, 5 citi, 6 citi, 8 citi and 8H Histon Road Shuttle. These services give direct links to Arbury, Chesterton, the bus station, Fen Ditton, Bar Hill, Swavesey, Cotterham and Orchard Park. The bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 500 metres away from Sidney Sussex College.
    • Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
    • For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located on Sidney Street. Access is via 2 unmarked steps, 15 and 12cm high with no handrails and a single gate 57cm wide (Photographs 1 and 2). The gate opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open. This entrance can be made wider if required by opening one or both main gates (Photograph 3). This entrance leads to the Porter’s' Lodge, Hall Court and Chapel Court.
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the main delivery gates, further along Sidney Street to the right as you face the main pedestrian entrance (Photograph 4). The main gates are open in the morning until 10am only. After that, those with keys can access through the small gate within the main gates, 52cm wide with a 30cm high threshold and opening away from you (push). This gate may be difficult for some to open (Photograph 5). Beyond this is a long slight slope leading up to Staff Court (Photograph 6).
    • Key card holders can also access the site via a pedestrian gate within the main gate at the vehicle entrance on King Street (Photograph 7). The gate is single, opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open. The height of the card reader is 108cm, the opening width of the gateway is 80cm with an 8cm threshold. The whole gate slides open to allow vehicle access, and this can also be used to access without the threshold.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle or via King Street there is step-free access to the network of external paths around the courts and main parts of the site. At the end of the path leading from the car park there are bollards, leaving gaps between 85 – 120cm wide (Photograph 8). There is then a steep slope leading up between the Mong Building and the Garden Court Building (Photograph 9). From here, there is a cut through between the Mong Building and Master’s Lodge to Chapel Court (Photograph 10). There are cut throughs from here to Staff Court on one side (Photographs 11 and 12) and the Porters' Lodge and Hall Court on the other (Photographs 13 and 14), continuing to Cloister Court after that (Photograph 15). The site is mostly level with paths with paving slab and concrete tile surfaces, so can be uneven in places. The paths also have slight gradients in places, particularly around the cut throughs between courts (Photograph 16). The paths around Hall and Chapel Courts have cobbles on either side (Photographs 17 and 18). At the end of the Cloister Court path, next to the entrance to the Fellows’ Garden, there is an unmarked step, 11cm high, with no handrails (Photograph 19). This can be overcome using the path that runs straight ahead from the cut through from Hall Court to the Fellows’ Garden. This path is 90cm wide and has a slight slope just beyond the cut through but then levels out (Photographs 20 and 21).
    • There is stepped access to the Covered Walkway (Photograph 22), which runs to the left past the Garden Court Building past the steep slope. The 13 unmarked steps have a handrail on the left hand side going down covering the bottom 5 steps only (Photograph 23). At the far end of the walkway there are 3 steps with handrails both sides leading up to the Sidney Bar (Photograph 24). There are also 15+ steps with no handrails leading up to Blundell Court (Photograph 25).
    • There are 15+ steps with handrails leading up from Staff Court and the area to the rear of the Garden Court Building and the Mong Building (Photograph 26) which lead up to South Court. From there Hobson Court, Montagu House and 26 Sussex Street can be accessed. There is also a bridge leading to Sussex House. Sussex has its own entrance off Hobson Street.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Sidney Sussex College have step-free access into them. However, most have internal steps that cannot be overcome step-free. Lifts are available in the Garden Court Building, Blundell Court and Sussex House.
    • There is clear directional signage around the site (Photographs 27 and 28) which means those unfamiliar with the layout will still be able to find their way to most of the key College areas and buildings. Site maps are also available from the Porters' Lodge. Accessible toilet facilities are located just inside the Mong Building, by the Dining Hall, and off Staff Court.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (King Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off King Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Blundell Court, Sidney Bar, Garden Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • 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.
    • Visitor parking is only available here if requested in advance. At the time of the survey many of the parking bays were not in use due to building work. Photograph 4 shows the vehicle entrance into the car park from King Street.

Getting To (The Library)

  • Location View
    • The Library is located within the Garden Court Building which is next to the William M W Mong Hall and Master's Garden.
    • The Library can be accessed from the pedestrian Porters' Lodge entrance via Chapel Court and the cut through past the Mong Building. It can also be accessed from the vehicular access south of the building. There is a slight ramp before the entrance to the Garden Court Building. The Library is on the left after you enter.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Library.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; staff offices and a standard shared toilet for library users on the ground floor (P). On the first floor (Q) there is a Choir Room, an IT Office, female and male changing rooms, a staff kitchen, offices and a standard toilet with a bath on the first floor (Q). There are various accommodation rooms on the second (R), third (S) and fourth (T) floors.
    • Sidney Sussex College link (new tab) - click here.
    • Accommodation - Garden Court link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, outside the Library and directly ahead of the entrance to Garden Court. The shared standard toilets have signage indicating that they are for all genders/gender neutral.

Outside Access (Garden Court)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located central to the front of Garden Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the Library, Offices, I.T Office and Accommodation.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key code is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key code reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 112cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • The key code reader also doubles up as a key card reader.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of 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.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located on either side of the ramp.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The surface of the ramp on the approach to the entrance is block paving and cobbles which could be a trip hazard.
    • The steps to the side of the entrance door lead from the covered walkway from Blundell Court and the path from South Court and Hobson Court. Both ways have 2-3 further steps slightly further away from the entrance.
      (Photographs 7 and 8).

Entrance (Ground Floor Library Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left after you enter via the Garden Court entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Richard Powell Library'.
    • There is step-free access 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 104cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 105cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are security barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 88cm.

Inside Access

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and wood.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • 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 area does not play background music/sound.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The only signage was by the main entrance door to Garden Court with the list of services/areas.

Other Floors (Spiral Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located next to the staff office, to the right as you enter from the ground floor entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 11m from the Library entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, light, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • 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 not 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.
  • Comments View
    • The staircase has open risers.
    • There are various books on bookstands on the ground floor in the stairwell.
    • Photographs 5 and 6 show the doors at the top of the stairwell to the two separate study areas.

Library

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access 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 right as you enter the Library. It is a self-service desk at a height of 84cm with a computer (not touch screen) to scan books for return or take out (Photograph 4).
  • Library Services View
    • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
    • For more information on services available to counteract barriers for students please click here
      Students can receive a bespoke training or consultation session or find alternative formats for a book or journal to make best use of the library by emailing '[email protected]'.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 63cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids can be provided on request but are not readily available.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: Mindview and Inspiration.
    • For information on all accessible software available please click here .
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
    • There is a staff office to the right as you enter the Library where staff can provide assistance. There is signage with information to get help by emailing [email protected] for when the office is unstaffed (Photographs 6 and 7).
      There are various study desks on the ground floor, rows of books, a separate room (Silent Space - Photographs 1 and 2) with further study desk space, a counter round one side of the room with various seats, a few armchairs, and a printer.
      There are a few computers opposite the office with 'I Discover' to find books (Photograph 5).
      The printer room is 81cm wide on entrance and only a 56cm wide access point to the printer touch screen (Photograph 3).
      There is a deposit box for returned books at 84cm high, by the staff office to the right on entry (Photograph 8).
      There is a manual, heavy, single door with a width of 77cm to access the stairwell to the upper level of the Library. This could be bypassed by using the lift and using the door into the Library on the first floor.
      Staff will collect books/study material from the first floor for students if they are unable to access the area.
      There are two separate areas on the first floor of the Library.
      The first room has further rows of books (narrowest point being 98cm) and further desks which are 66cm high. There is a variety of seating with and without armrests (Photographs 12 to 14).
      The second room is a computer room with desks 64cm high, a printer with controls 96cm high and variety of seating with and without armrests. Some of these chairs are on wheels (Photographs 15 to 18).
      Manoeuvring space is generally over 100cm, apart from an archway through to an area where some computers are. This is 77cm wide and by the printer the passing area is narrowed to 67cm.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in the centre of the entrance foyer.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the Garden Court 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 from the first floor upwards.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are P, R, S, T.
    • 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 not 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 Information View
    • On the half landing the stairs split turning to right and left, the handrail is on the side away from the wall only. From the first floor the handrail is on the left going up.

Lift

  • The lift is located on the ground floor, opposite the main stairwell and near the Garden Court entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Garden Court 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 0 (P), 1 (Q), 2 (R), 3 (S), 4 (T).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 not 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 89cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 138cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 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 have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Entrance (First Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor via a single, manual heavy door to the left as you exit the lift.
    • This entrance gives access to the upstairs section of the Library with computers and further desks/books.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access 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 code is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key code reader is 114cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The single heavy manual door between lift and the entrance is 76cm wide (Photograph 3).
    • The lift bypasses the spiral staircase within the library and the staircase in the main section of the building.
      .

Accessible Toilet(s)

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

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located outside the Library on the ground floor.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the Library entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Step(s) (Standard Shared Toilet)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located before the door into the toilet.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the standard shared toilet.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.