Access Guide
Access To (Seeley Library)
- The Seeley Library is located on the ground floor of the Faculty of History (History Building).
- View information on Faculty of History (History Building) (opens new tab) .
- View information on opening times
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- 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 away from you.
- The width of the opening is 128cm.
- The doors have a low visual contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 88cm.
- The width of the security barriers beyond the entrance are 146cm. There are double manual doors to the right of the automatic doors.
Reception
- The reception is located to the left from the library entrance.
- The distance from library entrance is 3m.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 100cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the desk.
- There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
- The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 103cm to 140cm from the floor.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Library
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have stepped access: the mezzanine level.
- 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 shiny.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Seating available in the library includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and high stools.
- Furniture available in the library includes: tables, high tables, long tables and desks.
- Some 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 vary due to the size of the space.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Lift (Platform)
- The lift surveyed is located to the left from the library entrance.
- This lift is a platform lift.
- The distance from library entrance is 6m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The ground and lower ground floors are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a low colour 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 tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 120cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 117cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (Ground Floor to Lower Ground Floor)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right from the library entrance.
- The ground and lower ground floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 7 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the left going down.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not 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 vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (Ground Floor to Mezzanine Level)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right from the library entrance.
- The ground and mezzanine floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 8 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the left going up.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail extends 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 vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (Lower Ground Floor to Mezzanine Level)
- The stairs surveyed are located at the rear of the library.
- The lower ground and mezzanine floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 14 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going up.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not 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 vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (Spiral)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right from the library entrance.
- The lower ground and mezzanine floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 12 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going up.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 21cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.