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Western Bank Library

Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Opening Times (Western Bank Library)

  • Monday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 21:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 21:00.

Opening Times (Special Collections Heritage and Archive)

  • Monday 10:00 - 12:30.
  • Monday 13:30 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 12:30.
  • Tuesday 13:30 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 12:30.
  • Wednesday 13:30 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 12:30.
  • Thursday 13:30 - 16:00.
  • Friday Closed.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

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.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the left hand side of the building, on the terrace level.
    • 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 218cm x 464cm (7ft 2in x 15ft 3in).
    • 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 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Terrace 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and students within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Tower Court - Arts Tower Car Park (Category B).
    • The car park is located off Bolsover Street.
  • 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 not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 - 4 show the building car park.
    • Photographs 5 - 8 show the Tower Court car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 147cm (4ft 10in).
  • 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 push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The UCard reader is only used for out of hours access to this entrance.
    • The UCard reader activates the single door to the left of the main doors.
    • The height of the push pads is 89cm - 95cm from the floor.

Outside Access (Terrace Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the left hand side of the building, opposite Firth Court.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 192cm (6ft 4in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 188cm (6ft 2in).

Entrance (Arts Tower Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the link bridge from the mezzanine floor of the Arts Tower.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).

Entrance (Accessible Entrance to lift)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level G ahead and slightly to the left as you enter through the main entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • Comments View
    • Students that need to use this entrance will have the security access added to their Ucard when they start at the University.

Entrance (Special Collections, Heritage and Archive)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 4.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).

Reception (Welcome Desk)

  • Welcome Desk is located on Level M, ahead as you enter via the Terrace Entrance.
  • The desk is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Terrace 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 moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • 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 fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/03/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers to enter the library and access the Welcome Desk.
    • The height to the UCard scanner is 107cm.
    • The width of the barriers is 52cm.
    • There is a wider barrier adjacent to the desk, which is operated by a member of staff.
    • The width of the wider barrier is 86cm.
    • There are manual barriers to exit the Library.
    • The width of the exit barriers is 90cm.

Reception (Facilities Assistants Lodge)

  • Facilities Assistants Lodge is located on Level G, to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 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 moderate to 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 not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • If the desk is not manned there is a phone and instructions on how to contact the facilities assistant to the left hand side of the desk.
    • There is seating in this area.
    • The seats are sofas.
    • There are desks with chairs in this area.
    • The height of the desks is 72cm.
    • The chairs do not have armrest.
    • There is a self-return desk in this area.
    • The height to the top of the touchscreens is 149cm.
    • The height to the drop box slot is 97cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the standard male toilets on Level G.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • This level change is shown in photograph 12.
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the lift lobby on Level G.
    • The width of the ramp is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • This level change is shown in photographs 13 - 16.
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Level 4 from the Welcome Desk and Level M.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • This level change is shown in photographs 17 and 18.
    • There are not 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.

Other Floors (Ground to Mezzanine)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, M.
    • The stairs are located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Other Floors (2 to 6)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
    • The stairs are located at the centre of the library, next to the main lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the main lift.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
  • Comments View
    • There is no access to the stairs from the entrance areas on Level G and Level M.
    • Between levels 5-6 there are 12 deep steps with handrails both sides and no landing, or 15+ medium steps with a landing to the Architecture Collection Networked Computer area.
    • There are several sets of steps between the floors, with handrails on varying sides.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the entrance foyer as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the lift lobby ramp.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 120cm x 157cm (3ft 11in x 5ft 2in).
  • 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 does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not 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.

Lift (Mezzanine Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the Welcome Desk.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 250kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Welcome Desk Barriers.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x 138cm (2ft 9in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep ramp to access the lift on the lower level (shown in photographs 3 and 4).

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 30 days to process an order.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Other computer auxiliary aids include a supportive chair.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes readit wand, magnifying glass, and Zoomax.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 assistive spaces in the Architecture room (shown in photograph 3), and 2 assistive spaces on level 4 (shown in photographs 14-18).
    • The Zoomax equipment is shown in photograph 15.
    • There are group study areas with tables and seating on level 4, shown in photograph 19.
    • There are also day lockers in the group study area.
    • There is a book return on level G ahead as you enter the building.
    • The height of the scanner for the book return is 98cm, shown in photograph 23 and 24.

Reception (Special Collections, Heritage and Archives)

  • Special Collections, Heritage and Archives is located on Level 4, ahead from the platform lift.
  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the platform lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (Level 5 Enquiries)

  • Level 5 Enquiries is located on Level 5, to the right as you exit the main lift.
  • The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main lift.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The desk is staffed during busy periods only.
    • There are self-checkout machines in this area.
    • The height to the top of the touchscreens is 149cm.

SafePod

  • The SafePod is located on level 5.
  • The SafePod is 8m from the lift on the right next to the enquiries desk
  • There is a single door which is 90cm wide.
  • There is a slight ramp upwards to the door.
  • There is a height adjustable desk within the SafePod.
  • Access to the SafePod is through a booking system for approved researchers only.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located on Level G, to the rear of the entrance foyer, just before the accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • Other facilities available include; drop down rails on both sides and a fully functional alarm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep slope with handrail on the right going up to access the shower (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
    • The ramp is 88cm wide.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on Level G, to the rear of the entrance foyer.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 215cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 1in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush 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 high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is 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 99cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 72cm (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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 108cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on Level G, to the rear of the entrance foyer.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are vertical wall mounted rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is level access to the female toilets. There is stepped access to the male toilets. The female toilets are shown in photographs 1-5. The male toilets are shown in photographs 6-10.