Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Astronomy Library

Institute of Astronomy (Observatory Building), University of Cambridge, Madingley Rise, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Access To (Astronomy Library)

  • The library is located in the Rooms A, B, and C to the left of and along the main corridor ahead from the accessible entrance into the Observatory Building.
    There is also further library space to the right of the building after the accessible entrance, in an annexe.
  • There is step-free level access into Room A and the annexe from the accessible entrance.
    There is ramped access into Room B and Room C from the accessible entrance.
    There are narrow walkways along the corridor to the annexe.
  • View information on The Institute of Astronomy (The Observatory Building) (opens new tab) .
  • The most accessible route has a steep ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.

Entrance (Library Office)

  • This entrance is located near the far end of the building from the accessible entrance, just past the central core, on the left.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are narrow walkways on the route to the library office.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 78cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.

Reception (Library Office)

  • The reception is located on the right after the entrance to the library office.
  • The distance from the entrance to the library office is 2m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 74cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is not 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 with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The tables are fixed.
  • The library office is open 09:30 - 13:00 Monday to Friday.

Library

  • There is not step-free level access throughout the library.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Room B, Room C and the annexe.
  • Access throughout the library may include narrow walkways.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables and long tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: handheld magnifiers.