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Institute of Education, Bedford Way 20, IOE Library

Institute of Education, Bedford Way 20, University College London, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL

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Access Guide

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Evacuation and Fire Safety Provisions

Access To

  • The library is accessed on level 4 of the Institute of Education building.
    The library is arranged over 3 floors, designated levels 3, 4, and 5.
    There is no access between the main building and the library on levels 3 and 5.
  • View information on Institute of Education, Bedford Way 20 (opens new tab) .
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, a platform lift and shiny flooring.
  • The platform lift is located at the far end of the IOE Café on level 3, on the right after the main entrance off Bedford Way.
    There is alternative lift access via the Core A or Core B lifts with manual doors on the route to the library.
    There is alternative step-free access off the Gordon Square entrance to the rear of the Institute of Education.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access into the library.
  • There are double automatic doors which open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 155cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 21:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 21:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 21:00.
  • Sunday 11:00 - 21:00.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on level 3 of the library.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on level 3 of the library.

Reception (Welcome Desk)

  • The reception is located straight ahead after the entrance into the library, on the left.
  • The distance from the entrance to the library on level 4 is 10m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by key card.
  • The Library help desk is on the left after the welcome desk.
    There is also a security desk immediately after the entrance to the library, on the left.
    The height of the security desk is 78cm.

Library

  • There is step-free level access throughout the library, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout the library may include narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and high stools.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables, coffee tables, high tables, height adjustable tables, desks and booths.
  • Some chairs and tables are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 92cm to 110cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: large text.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, ebook and ejournal.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: large key keyboards, ergonomic chairs, CCTV/video magnifiers, coloured overlays and headsets.
  • A raised laptop stand is available on request.
    View information about accessibility at the Library View information about assistive technology at the Library, including software list and availability.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located on the left after the reception area.
  • The distance from the entrance to the library is 23m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The levels 3, 4 and 5 of the library are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 79cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the reception area, on the left.
  • The levels 3, 4, and 5 of the library can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer - Shared Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located straight ahead out of the lift on level 3 of the library.
    • The distance from the lift is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 137cm (width) x 191cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.