Skip to main content

Merchiston Library

Merchiston Building, Merchiston Campus, Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The library is located on the ground floor, level B of the Merchiston Building. It can be accessed internally or via a main entrance in the tunnel to the central courtyard, near Colington Road.
    • Zones 1-4 are accessible via swipe card 24hrs every day when the library is unstaffed.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:45 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 08:45 - 19:00.
  • Friday 08:45 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Useful Information

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Merchiston Campus is located to the south west of the city centre area where parking is still strictly controlled.
      The nearest main roads are the A702 or the A70 to the north which link the city bypass to the city centre.
    • There is a small car park including some Blue Badge designated bays to the rear of the Merchiston Building, off Mardale Crescent.
      There is on-street parking to the front of the main building on Colinton Road and in the surrounding streets.
      Parking charges may vary depending upon which side of the street is used, see signage for details and restrictions.
  • By Bus View
    • The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. All buses are described as easy access and have designated wheelchair space.
      Bus route 45 serves the Colinton Road bus stops. Alternatively the Holy Corner bus stops on Bruntsfield Place A702, about 300m from the campus, are served by bus routes 11, 15, 16, 23, 36, 45, 101, 101A, 101S, 102, 102S, and night buses N11 and N16.
  • By Train View
    • Merchiston Campus is 1.2 miles from Haymarket Station, and 2.1 miles from the central Edinburgh Waverley Station.
      Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline links Edinburgh to London King’s Cross. There is also a sleeper service.
      There are also major links to other cities across the country, including express services to Glasgow, and links to York, Newcastle, Manchester, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, while many also stop at Haymarket in the West End.
  • By Tram View
    • Regular trams run between York Place in the city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
      The nearest tram stop to the Merchiston Campus is at Haymarket, next to the railway station.
  • Useful Links View

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of the main building, off Mardale Crescent.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Merchiston Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 372cm x 400cm (12ft 2in x 13ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is level access to the car park from the Merchiston Building accessible rear entrance.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Merchiston Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 62m (67yd 2ft) from the accessible rear entrance.

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Merchiston Campus car park.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the main building, off Mardale Crescent.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 375cm x 490cm (12ft 4in x 16ft 1in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Colinton Road.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Colinton Road and Mardale Crescent.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Comments View
    • A parking permit is required to park in the rear University car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - External)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the tunnel from Colington Road to the central courtyard.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 single.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • 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 122cm (4ft).
    • 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 in front 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.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is 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 key swipe card may be required during unstaffed hours.

Level Change (Colinton Road / Upper Courtyard)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is located between Colinton Road and the central courtyard.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located Between Colinton Road and the central courtyard.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Entrance (Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right beyond the iPoint reception in the Merchiston Building.
    • 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a 154cm wide security gate beyond the entrance.
    • A key swipe card may be required during unstaffed hours.

Reception

  • The Helpdesk is located on the right as you enter.
  • The desk is 11m (12yd 1in) 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 good.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • 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 bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • 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.
  • There is a touch screen.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the lower floor.
    • The width of the ramp is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The steps are shown in photograph 9. The ramp is shown in photograph 10.
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower floor quiet area, bookshelves and computing hub.
    • The width of the ramp is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp is shown in photographs 11 and 12.
  • 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.

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 14 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.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a document reader.

Lift (Lift 18)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the lower floor quiet area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg, 8 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 63m (68yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 139cm (3ft 5in 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 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 moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG and 1.
    • The stairs are located at the rear of the lower floor.
    • The stairs are approximately 52m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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 are 2 sets of stairs to a mezzanine level in the silent study room with alternating handrails at either end of the room.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the silent study mezzanine.
  • Comments View
    • The staircase splits at the bottom landing with an additional step to the lower level.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 34m (37yd 7in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of reception, near the internal entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 297cm (4ft 9in x 9ft 9in).
    • 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 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • 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 non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 cannot 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • Access to the accessible toilet is by university swipe card only. A Mifare Card is held at the library reception.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located behind reception.
    • 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 30m from the main entrance.
    • 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.