You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The University Library is a very large building with seven 7 accessible to students and visitors.
  • The building has 7 main lifts as well as a separate lift for the floors of the AOI Pavilion.
    There are 9 main staircases within the building.
    In addition to stairs on entrance between the reception and the first floor, a set of stairs between the separate levels of the AOI Pavilion and the Stone Staircase which only goes to the first and fourth floors.
  • The floors accessible to students and visitors are signed as Ground, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth.
    In the AOI Pavilion there is a section of Basement floor available although this was closed at time of survey (September 2024).
  • There is an external book drop in the form of an old phone booth in front of the main entrance to the building with a slot for depositing books at a height of 100cm.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Cambridge.
  • The nearest bus station is Cambridge Bus Station.

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces leading to a platform lift which takes you to the main entrance.
• There is only 1 entrance into the building for visitors and students which provides step-free level access to the ground floor reception area via a platform lift. This is the main entrance.
  There is a separate ramped or stepped entrance for staff and contractors located towards the south of the building as well as an accessible entrance into the Milstein Exhibition Centre.
• The main entrance is not signed.
  The staff and contractors entrance is signed with 'Staff & Contractors Entrance Only'.
• The main entrance provides level access to the main entrance reception and the Tower lift.
• In order to access the library any bags must be placed in the locker any or a tag must be acquired from the main entrance reception.
  The locker area is accessed off the entrance foyer by a set of six 17cm steps with handrails on either side.
  The lockers have heights from between 20cm and 164cm from the floor.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
• There are very slight slopes leading to the Alpha lift on the second, third and fourth floors.
• The majority of the flooring in the circulation routes library is carpeted with occasional patterned areas in some corridors as well as the AOI Pavilion and other reading rooms.
  There are also areas on the ground floor with hard and smooth surfaces which may appear shiny.
• There are resting areas in many of the circulation routes with a mixture of seating available.
• There is a mixture of signage and maps located throughout building.
  The two sides of the building are signed with North and South.
• There are manual doors located along many of the circulation routes of the building.
  Access between the North and South wing areas of the building is only available on the first, fourth and sixth floors.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Collapse all Expand all

• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 5 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located near the Tower lift on the first floor and near the Alpha and Beta lifts on the first and second floors.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male toilet facilities are located near the Tower lift on the first floor, next to the Alpha lift on the first and third floors and next to the Beta lift on the second and fourth floors.
  • The female toilet facilities are located near the Tower lift on the first floor, next to the Beta lift on the first and third floors and next to the Alpha lift on the second and fourth floors.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located inside the toilet with adaptations on the first floor.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Collapse all Expand all

• Other Rooms/Services View
  • View information on Milstein Exhibition Centre - University Library (opens new tab) .
• Eating and Drinking View
  • View information on Tea Room (opens new tab) .

You are on Parking (University Library). Skip to the next section.

Parking (University Library)

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of and to the south of the building.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 225cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 135cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 18m from the main entrance lift.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, a platform lift and uneven surfaces.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Lift (Entrance Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Entrance Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located to the left of the main entrance.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift does not have 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 low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 95cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 95cm (width) x 142cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
• There is an assistance bell at a height of 108cm or lift users can call 01223 333030 for assistance.

You are on Entrance (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access via lift at the entrance.
• The lift bypasses the steps.
• There are 9 steps with 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 steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 13cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens away from you.
• There is a push pad at a height of 86cm.
• The width of the opening is 81cm.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 80cm.
• There is a manual revolving door to the right of the automatic door with a width of 130cm.

You are on Stairs (Main Reception To First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Reception To First Floor)

• The stairs surveyed are located off from the entrance main reception area.
• The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 16 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do 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 between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Reception (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Main Entrance)

• The reception is located in front of you on entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is shiny and patterned.
• 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: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.
• There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by staff.
• There is a turnstile at the entrance with a width of 50cm or a staff opened gate with a width of 100cm.
  To enter the library any bags must be placed in the locker room which has stepped access or a tag taken from reception. If a tag is taken bags will be searched on exiting the library.
  There is a shop to the right of the reception.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

Library

• There is step-free level access throughout the library.
• The following areas have stepped access: the additional seating and shelving in the Commonwealth Room on the third floor is accessed by 2 steps.
• Access throughout the library may include manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
• 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 high visual contrast.
• Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in the library includes: tables, height adjustable tables, desks, height adjustable 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 vary due to the size of the space.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• Copies can be made of material in a variety of formats via the alternate format service for students.
  For more information on Cambridge Libraries: accessibility and disability LibGuide please click here (opens in a new tab
  For more information on Alternate formats - Cambridge libraries: alternate formats LibGuide please click here (opens in a new tab.
• This library is able to provide material in the following formats: ebook and ejournal.
• Auxiliary aids available in this library include: a trackball mouse, ergonomic chairs, adjustable foot rests, document holders, handheld magnifiers, coloured overlays and headsets.
• Accessible software available for the computers includes: Supernova.
• Other software includes Dolphin, Dragon professional speech to text.
  There is a room containing accessible software to the north of the Main Reading Room.

You are on Lift (Tower). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Tower)

• The lift surveyed is located in the reception area.
• The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• The ground, E (staff only), first, fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth floors 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 tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 72cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 112cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are two doors to access the lift, one manual pull to open with a width of 84cm and the other manual sliding with a width of 72cm.

You are on Reception (Main Reading Room). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Main Reading Room)

• The reception is located towards the rear of the University Library on the first floor.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 45m.
• The most accessible route to reception has manual doors.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 98cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 80cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested 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.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The tables are fixed.

You are on Reception (Map Room). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Map Room)

• The reception is located in the North front area of the first floor to your right on exiting the Tower lift.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 55m.
• The most accessible route to reception has manual doors.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• There is a single manual door to access the Map Room with a width of 78cm with a locked extension leaf, the locked leaf can be opened to give a width of 120cm.
  The security gate on entrance has a width of 98cm.
• The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is a lowered shelf as part of the counter at a height of 76cm for signing forms.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is patterned.
• 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 with armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The tables are fixed.
• There are security barriers which are operated by staff.

You are on Reception (Rare Books). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Rare Books)

• The reception is located off the Alpha lift lobby on the first floor.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 100m.
• The most accessible route to reception has manual doors.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• There is a pair of double manual doors to access the area with a width of 140cm.
  The security barrier has a width of 78cm.
• The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• 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 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.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The tables are fixed.
• There are security barriers which are operated manually.

You are on Lift (Alpha). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Alpha)

• The lift surveyed is located at the end of the North wing corridor.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 90m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and a lift.
• The ground, first, second, third and fourth floors 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 tactile markings and a high visual 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 180cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The Beta lift towards the South wing of the building is very similar.

You are on Lift (South Staircase Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (South Staircase Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located on the staircase between the South front area and the South wing.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 60m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
• The ground, first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors 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 tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 74cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 85cm (width) x 135cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (AOI Pavilion). Skip to the next section.

Lift (AOI Pavilion)

• The lift surveyed is located in the AOI Pavilion in the south wing.
• The distance from the Tower lift is 80m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• The basement, ground and first floors of the AOI Pavilion are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high colour contrast.
• The lift does not have 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 80cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 132cm (width) x 105cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high colour contrast.
• The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a mirror to aid reversing.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Alpha). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Alpha)

• The stairs surveyed are located at the end of the North wing.
• There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground. first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 14 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are 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 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located in front of you on exiting the Tower lift on the first floor.
  • The distance from the Tower lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 207cm (width) x 340cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 210cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The horizontal grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm 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 low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm 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 high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 91cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 96cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 81cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.