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Main Library

Wilkins Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Main Library Opening Times

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • UCL is based in the Bloomsbury area of central London. Most of the buildings are close to the Euston Road (A501) and are located within the Congestion Charge Zone.
    • There is on street parking available on some of the streets in and around the UCL area.
  • By Bus View
    • There are many bus routes that stop close to the University buildings. The following bus routes stop on Gower Street, outside the main gate:-
      10 (Hammersmith Bus Station to King's Cross Station)
      14 (Putney Heath to Warren Street Station)
      24 (Hampstead Heath to Pimlico)
      29 (Wood Green to Trafalgar Square)
      73 (Victoria Bus Station to Stoke Newington)
      134 (North Finchley Bus Station to Tottenham Court Road)
      390 (Archway Station to Notting Hill Gate).
  • By Train View
    • Euston, St Pancras International and King's Cross stations are close to the majority of the University buildings. However, all of the London Terminal stations are within reach of the campus using public transport.
  • By Underground View
    • The closest tube stations to Gower Street are Euston Square (Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle lines), Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines), Euston (Northern and Victoria lines) and Russell Square (Piccadilly line).
      There are many other tube stations in the vicinity of the University, including King's Cross St Pancras, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street.
      The step-free underground stations nearby are; Euston Square, King’s Cross St Pancras and Tottenham Court Road.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by visitors.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located within the Main Quad.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the South Cloisters entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The other Blue Badge bay is located just in front of the ramp to the octagon entrance to the Wilkins Building (as shown in photograph 3).

Entrance (North Hall Second Floor)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to your left on exiting the north hall lift.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • Comments View
    • On the second floor there are barriers beyond the entrance with a width of 93cm.

Entrance (South Junction Second Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the south junction.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is one set of manual, heavy, double doors between the south junction lift and this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • Comments View
    • The height of the doorbell is 160cm. It is for visitors to the Royal Historical Society.

Outside Access (Octagon)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Main Quad to the left.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a door immediately in front of you on entrance that leads into the old refectory. It opens towards you, is heavy and has a width of 85cm (as shown in photograph 5).

Reception (Information Point)

  • The information point is located in front of you on entrance.
  • The desk is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the octagon 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 good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • 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 trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are barriers on entrance. The accessible barrier has a width of 98cm and the others a width of 53cm.

Other Floors (G - 1)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • The stairs are located beyond the main library entry barriers.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Other Floors (1 - 2)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2.
    • The stairs are located on floor 1 of the Main Library on the north side.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the lift.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar set of stairs with rails on both sides on the south side of the library (shown in photographs 4 and 5).

Other Floors (North Junction)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-English Gallery, 2-German Gallery.
    • The stairs are located on the north side of the library.
    • There are 15 steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
    • There is not a landing.
    • There are two staircases here that lead to the upper floors. There are similar stairs to access the art and economics gallery, the stairs on the art side of the gallery have a handrail on the left and economics on the right (as shown in photographs 3 and 4).

Lift (Library)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the information point entrance barriers to the right.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, Law-2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 600kg.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the octagon 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 115cm x 146cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 9in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The highest controls are at a height of 123cm.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with a central handrail, for access to the law section.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a standard lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The stairs are shown in photograph 1.
      Stairs can be bypassed via use of the main lift.
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the Celtic Palaeography and Dutch sections on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps are shown in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the Scandinavian and Germanic section on the second floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps are shown in photograph 3.
    • There are no 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

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 not 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.
  • Comments View
    • Assistive software includes Inspiration, TextHelp Read and Write and Audio Notetaker.

Reception (Library Services / Help Point)

  • Library Services / Help Point is located to your left on exiting the lift on the first floor.
  • The desk is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main lift.
  • 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 good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not 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 portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • Comments View
    • There are three touchscreens available, with heights between 130cm and 156cm, 116cm - 168cm and 78cm - 130cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Second Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the second floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 235cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 175cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the first floor and the second floor.
    • There are male standard toilets facilities on the first floor and the second floor.
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the second floor immediately to the right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 2m from the lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • The shared toilets are staff only and are kept locked.

Emergency Egress for Building