You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• The Library contains:-
  Ground Floor - Membership / Issues and Returns Desk
  First Floor - Help Desk, Accessibility Centre, Books 001 – 708, computers, Group Study Area, Study Support Room, phone zone, toilets, printing and photocopying
  Second Floor - Books 709-827, Computers, Study Spaces
  Third Floor - Books 828 – 999, Silent Study Area
  Fourth Floor - Print Journals, Silent Study Area, Laptop-free Area.
• The library is generally open 08:30 - 23:45 every day during term time. For more details on opening times, please see the library webpage.
• Related link Birkbeck Library Opening Hours.
• Http://www.bbk.ac.uk/lib/about/hours
• Related link Birkbeck Malet Street.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/birkbeck-malet-street

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

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • Birkbeck is located in the Bloomsbury area of Central London, on Malet Street and Torrington Square. These streets are close to the Euston Road (A501) and Gower Street (A400).
  • On street parking is available on Torrington Square, managed by Facilities Management at the University of London in Senate House.
• By Bus View
  • A number of London Bus routes stop on Gower Street close to the College, including 14 (Putney Heath to Warren Street Station), 24 (Pimlico to Hampstead Heath), 29 (Wood Green to Trafalgar Square), 73 (Victoria Bus Station to Stoke Newington), 143 (North Finchley Bus Station to Tottenham Court Road) and 390 (Archway Station to Notting Hill Gate). Buses 10 (Hammersmith Bus Station to King's Cross Station) and 188 (North Greenwich to Russell Square Station) also stop nearby on Russell Square.
• By Train View
  • The nearest railway stations are Euston, St Pancras International and King's Cross Stations. However, all of the London Terminal stations are within reach of the campus using public transport.
• By Underground View
  • The nearest tube stations to the college are Russell Square (on the Piccadilly Line) and Goodge Street (on the Northern Line).
• Useful Links View
  • For more information, please see the Find Us page on the University Website.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please see the Transport for London website for more details on travelling to the campus by bus or tube.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please see the National Rail website for details regarding trains into London.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Useful Information

• To see more information on Library Disability & Dyslexia Support please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 020 7631 6491.
• Email: [email protected].
• To see more information on Student Advice Centre please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 020 7631 6316.
• To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
• Email: [email protected].

You are on Building Parking. Skip to the next section.

Building Parking

• The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

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• 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 on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Torrington Square.
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • The parking is permit holders only for SOAS and Senate House.

You are on Approach (Torrington Square). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Torrington Square)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The bollard(s) has/have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • There are bollards between Torrington Square and the approach from the left towards the main entrance.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
  • There is/are 7 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
  • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is tactile paving at the top of the steps only.

You are on Approach (Byng Place). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Byng Place)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has handrails on both sides.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
  • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is tactile paving at the top of the steps only.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off Torrington Square.
  • 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 (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• 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 single.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• Comments View
  • The accessible entrance is to the right of the revolving door.
  • The revolving door to the left of the accessible entrance has a width of 145cm.

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

Entrance (Library)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to your right when you access the building.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
• Comments View
  • The details above are for the access gate to enter the library.
  • There is a turnstile with a width of 55cm next to this gate.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The Membership/Issues and Returns desk is located to your right on entrance.
• The desk is 1m (3ft 3in) from the library 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 good.
• 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 not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/08/2022.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
• There is a touch screen.

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• Comments View
  • The touch screen is used to issue day passes.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to 201 Library from floor M (photograph 13).
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There are 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • The portable hearing loop can be requested from the AV Office.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.

You are on Getting Around (Silent Study Area, Floor M). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Silent Study Area, Floor M)

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• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • There are 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• Comments View
  • There are tables and seating without armrests and sofas (photographs 2 to 4).
  • There are workstation booths (photograph 5).

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There is a push pad automatic single door to access the first floor from the steps.

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

Lift (Main Lift)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to your right on entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3-4.
• Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not 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 have a hearing loop 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 bright.

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• Comments View
  • There is a push pad automatic single door to access the lift on the first floor.

You are on Lift (Floor 1 Platform). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Floor 1 Platform)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located on the other side of the library to the main lift.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, M (Silent Study Area), 2, 3 and 4.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
• The lift is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
• 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 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 good.

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• Comments View
  • The control to operate the lift door is 100cm above the floor.
  • The floor controls must be continuously pressed to operate the lift.

You are on Reception (Help Desk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Help Desk)

• The Help Desk is located ahead from the lift lobby on the first floor.
• The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) 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 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 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 assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/08/2022.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

You are on Reception (IT Services Help Desk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (IT Services Help Desk)

• The IT Services Help Desk is located ahead and left from the platform lift on the first floor.
• The desk is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the platform lift in the library.
• Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
• There is step free access to this reception area.
• The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
• 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 not signed.
• Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/08/2022.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

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• Comments View
  • The Help Desk is 26m from the main lift in the Library.

You are on Opening Times (IT Services Help Desk). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (IT Services Help Desk)

• Monday 10:00 - 12:00.
• Monday 15:00 - 17:00.
• Tuesday 10:00 - 12:00.
• Tuesday 15:00 - 17:00.
• Wednesday 10:00 - 12:00.
• Wednesday 15:00 - 17:00.
• Thursday 10:00 - 12:00.
• Thursday 15:00 - 17:00.
• Friday 10:00 - 12:00.
• Friday 15:00 - 17:00.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

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 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.

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• Comments View
  • There is an Accessibility Centre available (photographs 3 to 6).
  • The Accessibility Centre door is activated by a push pad.
  • The push pad to enter and exit is 95cm above the floor.
  • The door to enter the Accessibility Centre opens away from you.
  • The Accessibility Centre has height adjustable chairs and desks, adjustable lighting for each computer, scanners and other facilities.
  • There are Study Support Rooms on the first floor.
  • The Study Support Rooms are for use by students registered with the Disability and Dyslexia Service.
  • Study Support Rooms A and B (photograph 7) are near the Group Study areas (photograph 8).
  • Study Support Room C is to the right of the Help Desk (photographs 9 to 11).
  • There is also a meeting room (photograph 12).
  • Accessible software available in the library includes Sensus Access, ClaroRead, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Mindview, Jaws and Zoom Text.
  • The library has access to the RNIB Bookshare scheme which gives access to a wide range of books in different formats including audio files, Microsoft Office Word documents and Acrobat PDFs.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Right Transfer First Floor Library). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Right Transfer First Floor Library)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 49m (53yd 1ft) from the main lift in the Library.
  • This accessible toilet is located near the Accessibility Centre on the first floor.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • This is by lift.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • 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 the Help Desk.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
  • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is twist/turn.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • 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).
  • The height of the coat hook is 120cm 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 74cm.
• 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 poor.
  • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
  • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the first floor.
• Standard Toilet Surveyed View
  • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
  • The toilet surveyed is located near the Accessibility Centre on the first floor.
  • 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 49m from the main lift.
  • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail to the right of the seat.
  • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
• Comments View
  • The female standard toilets are shown in photographs 2 to 4.
  • The male standard toilets are shown in photographs 5 to 7.