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The University of Manchester Library – Main Library

The University of Manchester, 250 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The University of Manchester is located in the centre of Manchester just off the A57(M) between Upper Brook Street (A34) and the Higher Cambridge Street (A5067).
    • There are multiple permit holder only car parks around the university campus. There is a NCP car park located on the North East corner of the campus, just of Upper Brook Street. This car park is the Manchester Aquatics Centre NCP and charges apply for all users. There are multiple blue badge permit holder car parks located around the campus.
  • By Bus View
    • There are multiple bus stops throughout the campus along Oxford Road. There are bus stops outside the Kilburn Building, Manchester Aquatics Centre and Stopford Building, these stops are served by routes 15, 18, 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 43, 53, 111, 142, 143, 147, 191, 197, 746, V4, Vantage V1 and Vantage V2.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is the Manchester Oxford Road station. This train station is approximately 700m from the centre of the university campus, this takes approximately 10 minutes to complete on foot. The Manchester Oxford Road station is served by the East Midlands Trains, Transpennine Express, Northern and Transport for Wales services.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Opening Times

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Car Park E.
    • The car park is located to the side of the building, off Cecil Street.
    • Other parking on campus is available on Aquatics/Booth Street East, Booth Street and Dilworth Street.
      Free parking is available for Blue Badge holders.
      To obtain free parking, please print your ticket and have it validated at the attendant’s lodge.
  • 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 (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a revolving door to the right of the accessible door.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Main Reception is located ahead on entering the building.
  • The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers at the entry and exit points at reception, the barrier to the right has a wider exit of 90cm for easier access, a swipe card is needed to access and exit.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to into the green area in the Muriel Scott building.
    • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the green area in the Muriel Scott building.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The level changes into the Muriel Scott building are shown in photograph one and photograph two.
    • There is a slight slope, with no handrails, for access to the Red area on floor two.
    • Photograph three shows the ramp leading into the red area on floor two.
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to Red 3 from to Purple 4.
    • Photograph four shows the level change in the purple and red areas.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around (Continued)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Reference area Green 1.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • Photograph one shows steps leading up to reference area green 1.
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to Muriel Scott building from the main library.
    • Photograph two shows the ramp leading into the Muriel Scott building from the library.
    • There is a slight slope, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Green 2 from the red area.
    • Photograph 3 shows the slight slope into the Green 2 area.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe at the Main Library)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the cafe entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.
  • Comments View
    • There are double doors approximately 120 cm wide on entry to the Cafe, these doors are permanently held open.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not 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.
  • It takes approximately 3 to 7 days to process an order.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Other computer auxiliary aids include SAD lamp.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes pastel coloured paper, zoom text, magnifier, .
  • Comments View
    • Photograph one shows the accessibility equipment room on the ground floor within the blue area, a swipe is needed to enter the room.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located to the right on entering the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 28m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are a similar set of stairs at the opposite side of the building.
  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G, 1.
    • The escalators steps are clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Orange Zone is not accessible.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 4 shows the steps leading up to the Orange zone on floor 5.

Lift (Lift 1)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the main entrance through the double doors.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 9000 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 126cm (4ft 3in x 4ft 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the ground floor to the left.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 232cm x 282cm (7ft 7in x 9ft 3in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, clinical waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 165cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 250cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 2in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is an overhead powered hoist within this accessible toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • There are male and female toilets in the blue areas of the first, second, third and fourth floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A female standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor.
    • There is a male standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 5m from the lift.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.