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DMS Watson Building

University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground floor - reference desk, ISD help desk, short loans, stores / reservations
    First floor - archive studies, biology, botany, geography, librarianship, psychology, zoology
    Second floor - anthropology, management and medical science
    Third floor - chemistry, geology, history of science, maths, physics
    Fourth floor - computer science, engineering.
  • There is a link between this building and the Darwin Building on the second floor for more information on the Darwin Building please see the separate guide. The accessible entrance to the Petrie Museum is located on the first floor of the DMS Watson Library for more information on the museum please see the separate guide.
  • Related link Darwin Building.
  • Https://www.accessable.co.uk/ucl/access-guides/darwin-building-london
  • Related link Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology.
  • Https://www.accessable.co.uk/ucl/access-guides/petrie-museum-of-egyptian-archaeology
  • Comments View
    • The accessible entrance to the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is located on the first floor.

Centrally Timetabled Spaces

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • UCL is based in the Bloomsbury area of central London. Most of the buildings are close to the Euston Road (A501) and are located within the Congestion Charge Zone.
    • There is on street parking available on some of the streets in and around the UCL area.
  • By Bus View
    • There are many bus routes that stop close to the University buildings. The following bus routes stop on Gower Street, outside the main gate:-
      10 (Hammersmith Bus Station to King's Cross Station)
      14 (Putney Heath to Warren Street Station)
      24 (Hampstead Heath to Pimlico)
      29 (Wood Green to Trafalgar Square)
      73 (Victoria Bus Station to Stoke Newington)
      134 (North Finchley Bus Station to Tottenham Court Road)
      390 (Archway Station to Notting Hill Gate).
  • By Train View
    • Euston, St Pancras International and King's Cross stations are close to the majority of the University buildings. However, all of the London Terminal stations are within reach of the campus using public transport.
  • By Underground View
    • The closest tube stations to Gower Street are Euston Square (Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan and Circle lines), Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines), Euston (Northern and Victoria lines) and Russell Square (Piccadilly line).
      There are many other tube stations in the vicinity of the University, including King's Cross St Pancras, Holborn, Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street.
      The step-free underground stations nearby are; Euston Square, King’s Cross St Pancras and Tottenham Court Road.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • On street parking is managed by Camden Council, one of the four central London boroughs in which the "Blue Badge Scheme" does not apply fully.
      Unless your Blue Badge was issued by Camden Council, you are restricted to using designated "Blue Badge parking bays".
      There is a Blue Badge parking bay, which can accommodate three cars, outside 20 Bedford Way.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off Malet Place.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located either side of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The handrail is located on the left if you are approaching from the right of the entrance and to your right if you approach from the left.

Entrance (Second Floor Darwin Building Link)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the right corridor on the second floor of the Darwin Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope bypasses the steps.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides going up.

Reception (Security)

  • The security reception is located to your left on 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 bright.
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • Beyond the desk there are gates to access the rest of the library. The smaller of which have a width of 50cm and the larger 86cm. This can be seen in photograph 2.

Reception (ISD Service Desk)

  • ISD Service Desk is located to your left on entrance.
  • The desk is 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 bright.
  • There is 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 portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.

Reception (Library Help)

  • Library Help is located to your left inside the main library area.
  • The desk is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.

Reception (Membership Desk)

  • Membership Desk is located to your left when you enter the library.
  • The desk is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is 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 portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.

Getting Around (Ground and First Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to postgraduate computer cluster and quiet computer cluster on the ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The stairs are shown in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the psychology, biology, botany and zoology sections of the library on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the psychology, biology, botany and zoology sections of the library on the first floor.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The steps are part of the rear left staircase (as shown in photograph 2). The ramp is shown in photograph 3. At the top of the ramp there is a serious of four manual doors the first two of which are permanently held open with widths of between 78cm and 82cm. As shown in photograph 4.
    • The ramp or slope does not bypass the step(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.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

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.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Assistive software includes Inspiration, TextHelp Read and Write and Audio Notetaker.
    • A Self Service Laptop Loans Locker is located on the ground floor and on the fourth floor.
    • Laptops can be loaned for a period of 24 hours or for the weekend and can be taken off campus.
    • The ISD Service Desk can also facilitate the loaning of equipment for longer periods of time.

Eating and Drinking (Aspretto)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
    • The cafĂ© is located towards the front left of the library on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access to the cafĂ©.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
    • The door opening width is under 75cm.
    • There are security barriers in front of the entrance with a width of over 75cm.
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 105cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 76cm.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables and long tables.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 44cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 112cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • The stairs are located to your right on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a staircase to the rear left of the building to all floors. These stairs are medium and have handrails on the right only (as shown in photograph 4). There are deep steps with handrails on the right with no landing from floor 1-2-3-4 (as shown in photograph 5).

Lift (Larger Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right past the entrance barriers.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 750kg.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 92cm (3ft).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 100cm (5ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 has 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 bright.

Lift (Smaller Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right past the entrance barriers.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 300kg.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 98cm x 90cm (3ft 3in x 2ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 has 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 bright.

Lift (Staff Lift)

  • There is not a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear right of the venue.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 525kg.
  • The lift is approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 108cm (3ft 7in x 3ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • A security card is needed to use this lift which is at a height of 90cm.

Getting Around (Second Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to management on the second floor.
    • The ramp is shown in photograph 1. There is another ramp to the rear of the building on the second floor on the main staircase to access this area as well. It is steep and only has handrails on the right (as shown in photograph 2).
    • There is/are 2 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to staff office 213.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.

Getting Around (Third and Fourth Floors)

  • Access View
    • There is a steep ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to rear of the third floor.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 1. There is an alternative ramp to access this area to the left of the building within the rear stairwell, which can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the De Morgan Study Room on the third floor.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.

Changing Places (Ground Floor)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the ground floor of UCL Science Library, ahead of the Entrance Barriers.
    • The facility is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Main Entrance Reception or from the Library Reception.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 310cm x 354cm (10ft 2in x 11ft 7in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm (6ft 1in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • Accessible shower facilities are not available.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the fourth floor to your right on exiting the lift lobby / staircase.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the larger main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 194cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
    • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the first floor.
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the third floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located 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 10m from the main lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.

Emergency Egress for Building