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Arts and Social Sciences Library

University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, City of Bristol, BS8 1TJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Arts and Social Sciences library, including Special Collections, Study Areas, an Assistive Technology Room and an Accessible Study Room.

Opening Times

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The University of Bristol campus is located in the St Michael's Hill area of Bristol, in the centre of the City.
      The campus can be reached by using the M32 from the M4 and M5.
      Exit the M4 at junction 19, signed for the M32 and follow the M32 southwest into Bristol.
      Continue onto the A4032, and continue straight on to the A4044 (Bond Street).
      At St James Barton Roundabout take the 2nd exit, onto Marlborough Street (B4051).
      Continue to follow Marlborough Street, passing Bristol Royal Infirmary and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
      Take the left hand lane and continue straight ahead at the traffic lights.
      Continue along Park Row, and turn right onto Woodland Road.
      Proceed up the hill to the crossroads.
      At the crossroads turn right onto Tyndall Avenue, at the centre of the campus.
    • Parking in building car parks is by permit only. Blue Badge holders require a permit to park in university car parks.
      On-street parking and public car parks are available in the St Michael's Hill area. On-street parking is time limited, however Blue Badge holders are not subject to any charges of time limits.
  • By Bus View
    • The 9 and 72 bus services from Bristol Temple Meads train station run a combined frequency of every 15 minutes at peak times and stop at Tyndall Avenue on the University campus. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
      The number 8 service from Bristol Temple Meads train station runs at least every 10 minutes at peak times and stops by The Berkeley pub on Queen's Road opposite the Wills Memorial Building before heading towards the Richmond Building (Students' Union) and Clifton village. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
      The 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the One bus services all stop in the Park Street, Triangle, Whiteladies Road area, a couple of minutes away from the University.
      The Bristol Unibus service connects the Stoke Bishop halls of residences with the University campus and city centre.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest mainline station to the University is Bristol Temple Meads. Buses and taxis are available from the station to the campus. Bristol Temple Meads is served by CrossCountry, GWR, and South Western Railway.
      The nearest local train station is Clifton Down. There are no direct buses from the station to the campus. Clifton Down is served by GWR.
  • 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 permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • 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 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 355cm x 578cm (11ft 8in x 18ft 12in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main 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 block paving.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 220cm x 600cm (7ft 3in x 19ft 8in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Tyndall Avenue.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The on-street parking bays in front of the building (shown in photograph 2) are pay and display, with a maximum stay of 4 hours between 08:00 - 16:00. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The nearest public car park is the Trenchard Street Car Park.
    • Blue Badge parking is not free in the public car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off Tyndall Avenue.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance as you face it, leading from 5 Tyndall Avenue.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are two automatic doors either side of double, heavy, manual doors, which open both ways and are 220cm in width (shown in photographs 2 and 3).
    • The door on the left has the intercom, and is also the 24/7 entrance, for use between 23.30 and 08.00.
    • A UCard is required to operate both automatic doors.
    • There are security barriers, 88cm in width located just inside the 24/7 entrance (shown in photograph 4).

Reception (Welcome Desk)

  • The Welcome Desk is located just inside main entrance.
  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) 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 medium.
  • 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 system.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers, 56cm and 89cm in width located next to this desk (shown in photograph 2). These require a UCard but can be opened by reception for visitors.
    • There are also security barriers, 92cm in width to exit the library (shown in photograph 3 and 4).

Reception (Information Desk)

  • Information Desk is located just beyond the security barriers.
  • The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) 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 medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • 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 system.

Self Services Machines and Returns

  • The self-service issue machines are located just past the security barriers, opposite the Information Desk, 16m from the main entrance.
  • The height of the shelves on the machines (shown in photographs 1 and 2) is 85cm. The height of the UCard reader is 112cm and the height of the screen is between 128cm and 153cm.
  • The first self-service machine has an added keypad just above the shelf for use by people unable to use the touchscreen to input numbers (shown in photograph 2).
  • There is a similar machine nearby for self collection of Reservations (shown in photograph 3).
  • The Returns slots (shown in photograph 4) are located to the right of the Welcome Desk as you enter the library, 7m from the main entrance.
  • The height of the slots are 95cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • 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 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 some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 1 shows the ground floor just past the security barriers. The flooring here has a shiny finish.
    • Photographs 2-4 show some of the bold patterns on the flooring in various other areas of the building.
    • The Quiet Zone Study Space on the ground floor is accessed by automatic doors (shown in photograph 5). These require a UCard to activate.
    • This Quiet Zone contains height adjustable work stations (shown in photograph 6).
    • Photograph 7 shows one of the Computer Rooms on the ground floor.
    • There are some chairs with armrests available throughout the general study areas of the library (shown in photograph 8).
    • The private study rooms, plus the Microfilm and Microfiche Reading Rooms, on the first floor are accessed by doors 59cm in width (shown in photograph 9).
    • The group study rooms are accessed by doors 79cm in width (shown in photograph 10).

PGR Study Room G23

  • The postgraduate study room located to the rear left of the building on the ground floor.
  • This is accessed via a manual heavy door accessed via an authorised UCard the door opens away from you, is heavy and has a width over 75cm.
  • There are height adjustable tables and chairs within the room.
  • Regular tables have a height of 72cm and there is a hight table with a height of 108cm.
  • There are flashing fire alarms in the room and chairs with armrests on each side.
  • There are wiring hatches on the floor which may serve as trip hazards.

Eating and Drinking (Vending Area)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the self-service area.
    • The self-service area is located to your left on entrance to the library.
    • There is step-free access to the self-service area.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • There are a series of vending machines available the lowest part of any touchscreen is 105cm highest part of any touchscreen is 152cm.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 72cm.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables and armchairs.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 35cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 109cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

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.
  • It takes approximately 7-10 days to process an order.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard, large rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible software available throughout the building includes Inspiration (mind mapping software), Mind View (mind mapping software), Read and Write GOLD, Zoomtext magnification software (by arrangement only), Dragon Naturally Speaking and the Microsoft Accessibility options.
    • There is a designated Assistive Technology Room (ATR) located to the rear of the library (shown in photographs 5-7).
    • This is where the auxiliary aids are located including back friends, lumbar supports, chair wedges, footrests, scanners, writing slopes, book rests, coloured overlays, mini keyboards, lockers, CCTV Magnifier, magnifying sheets and hand held magnifiers.
    • The room has a large key telephone for enquiries (shown in photograph 8).
    • The room also has additional accessible software, including JAWS screen reading, Kurzweil 1000 scanning software, and ABBY FineReader (OCR software for use with a scanner).
    • The Accessible Study Room is located next to Assistive Technology Room, and contains a height adjustable chair and desk, and can be provided with all the auxiliary aids available in the ATR (shown in photograph 9). This room is also large enough to be used as a small group study room.
    • Both the ATR and the Accessible Study Room are accessed by automatic door, activated by a UCard (shown in photograph 10).

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located on the left hand side of the ground floor foyer.
    • The stairs are approximately 36m 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 deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase to the right of the building which is only accessible to staff. This staircase can be seen in photographs 4 and 5.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right hand side of the ground floor foyer area, by the Quiet Zone Study Space.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 600kg.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 126cm x 97cm (4ft 2in x 3ft 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does 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.

Toilet with Adaptations (Library - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the far right hand side of the ground floor, accessed via the Quiet Zone Study Area.
    • 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 inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 220cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 open waste paper bin 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 48cm (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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 94cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Library)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the far right hand side of the library ground floor, accessed via the Quiet Zone Study Space.
    • There is a female 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 46m from the main entrance.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Cafe - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of café counter as you face it.
    • 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 (automatically).
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 221cm (7ft 10in x 7ft 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • 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 open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 108cm and 142cm 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 91cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic door leading into the cubicle is touch pad operated.

Standard Toilet(s) (Cafe)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left hand side of the cafe area.
    • There is a female 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 41m from the main entrance.
    • 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.