Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include the library, group study rooms and the computer areas.
- For information on opening times, please see the opening times page on the Library website.
- The main entrance to the library is located off the Arts Piazza. The Floor.
- Related link - library opening times.
- Https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/library-services/hughowen/opening-times---hugh-owen-library/
- Related link Arts Centre Piazza.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/arts-centre-piazza
Getting Here
-
By Road
View
- Aberystwyth University lies in the centre of the west coast of Wales on the A487 and at the end of the A44. The University campus is located at the north end of Aberystwyth off the Penglais Road (A487).
- There are multiple campus car parks for staff, students and permit holders. There is a visitor car park at the rear of the campus near the Arts Centre, this is a pay and display car park but is free for Blue Badge holders. There are Blue Badge bays around the campus for multiple buildings.
- For more information on getting to the University by car please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Bus
View
- The nearest bus stop is the National Library stop. This bus stop is approximately 160m from the main reception. This bus stop is served by the 302, 512, TrawsCymru T2, X28 and YP8 routes. There is an additional bus stop approximately 100m from the reception building which is served by the National Express service.
- For more information on getting to the University by bus please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Train
View
- The nearest Railway Station is Aberystwyth.
- Aberystwyth Station is approximately 1.4km from the University on foot. The train station is linked to the university campus by the 302, TrawsCymru T2 and X28 bus routes. This train station is served by the Arriva Trains Wales and Vale of Rheidol Railway.
- For more information on getting to the University by train please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on national train timetabling and ticketing, and station information for Aberystwyth station please click here (opens new tab).
-
Useful Links
View
- For more information on getting to the University, and maps, please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For more information on traveling by bus through Wales, please use the link below.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- Student Support Services is based in the Student Welcome Centre on the Penglais Campus.
- To see more information on Student Support Services please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01970 621 761.
- Email: [email protected].
- The Academic Registry deals with admissions and is based on the first floor of the Cledwyn Building. Contact details for staff members can be found on the university website.
- To see more information on Academic Registry please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Accommodation Office please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01970 622 984.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Useful Information for Computer Rooms please click here (opens new tab).
- Email: [email protected].
- There are dog toileting areas located near the Rosser Accommodation and Hub, by Block 13 at Fferm Penglais and to the side of Cledwyn at the Penglais Campus.
- For more information on the assistance dog toileting area(s) please click here - (new tab).
- For more information on the assistance dog toileting area(s) please click here - (new tab).
Building Parking (Floor E)
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
-
Building Car Park
View
- The car park can be used by staff, permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located to the rear of the building near the Floor E entrance.
- 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 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted and have markings which are faded.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 380cm (11ft 10in x 12ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- The nearest designated bay is 32m (34yd 2ft) from the Floor E 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 slopes/ramps.
- The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
-
Drop Off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Floor E)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Library Floor E.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
-
Second Set of Doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
-
Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
- The width of the ramp is 105cm (3ft 5in).
-
Step(s)
View
- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located to the left as you face the entrance.
- There is / are 7 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
-
Comments
View
- The first set of doors open into a foyer.
- A key card is required for access into the library via the second set of doors.
- The key card reader is at a height of 120cm.
- There is also a direct dial phone by the door to contact staff to request access if the user does not have a key card.
- Beyond the second set of doors is a security barrier.
- The barrier is 100cm wide.
- This is shown in the last photograph 11.
Outside Access (Arts Piazza Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located off the Arts Piazza at the front of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
-
Second Set of Doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 165cm (5ft 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 does bypass the step(s).
- 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 handrails are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp is 122cm (4ft).
-
Step(s)
View
- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
-
Comments
View
- A UCard is required between the hours of 10:00pm to 8:00am and all day during exam periods.
- The card reader is 105cm
- There are security barriers beyond the second entrance doors with a width of 100cm.
Reception (Floor D)
- Library Reception is located to the right as you enter.
- The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) from the library entrance, on Floor D.
- 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 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 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.
-
Comments
View
- The recess at the low desk section is 45cm deep.
Reception (Floor F)
- The enquires desk is located to the right when exiting lift.
- The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift entrance Floor F.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
- 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 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 system is available only on request.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Getting Around
-
Access
View
- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
-
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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The loop is available from the reception.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing 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.
- 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.
-
Comments
View
- There is a automatic book return touch screen terminal.
- Additionally, Read and write Gold Software and Inspiration computer software is also available.
Lift (Evacuation Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located beyond entrance C, to the right along the corridor.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C, D and E.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, single doors which are easy to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kgs.
- The lift is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the floor C 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 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
- There are 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 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.
Lift (Staff and Accessible Access Use Only)
- The lift is located to the rear of the building.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are D, E and F.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
- The lift is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the library entrance off the piazza.
- 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 107cm x 142cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 8in).
- There are 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 good.
-
Comments
View
- This lift is for the use of staff, and library users who require a lift to bypass the stairs.
Other Floors
-
Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are D, E and F.
- The stairs are located at the rear of the building.
- The stairs are approximately 58m from the library piazza entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
-
Comments
View
- The doors are generally held open.
Toilet with Adaptations (Library)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the library piazza entrance.
- The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- There is 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- 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 181cm 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 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 a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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).
- 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 100cm.
-
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 good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor F Male Standard Toilets)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the lift entrance Floor F.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right when exiting the lift on Floor F.
- There is an identical toilet in the female standard toilets with a transfer space to the right. These can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is not a unisex toilet.
- There is an identical toilet in the female toilets.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 138cm x 184cm (4ft 6in x 6ft).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
-
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 not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 103cm.
-
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 good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor E)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left when exiting the lift on Floor E.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 200cm (7ft 10in x 6ft 7in).
- There is 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 80cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 101cm.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
-
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 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 a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot 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 107cm.
-
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 good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
- There are male and female toilets located on Floors E and F.
- There are shared toilets located on Floor D.
-
Standard Toilet Surveyed
View
- A male standard toilet was surveyed.
- The toilet surveyed is located on Floor E on exiting the lift.
- 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 27m from the lift entrance.
- 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 left of the seat.
- Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
-
Comments
View
- Photographs 3 and 4 show the female toilets.