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Scottish Borders Campus Library

Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 21:45.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 21:45.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 21:45.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 21:45.
  • Friday 09:00 - 21:45.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 15:45.
  • Sunday Closed.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Galashiels.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 480cm (11ft 6in x 15ft 9in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 32m (34yd 2ft) from the side entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the side entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the main building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • 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 166cm (5ft 5in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives external access to the corridor where the library is located.

Level Change (Side Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Outside Access (Library Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers just beyond the doors.
    • The gap between barriers is 110cm.

Reception (Main Entrance)

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.

Reception (First Floor - Enquiries)

  • The desk/counter is 36m (39yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

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.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes a screen magnifier.

Eating and Drinking (Vending Machines)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the refectory.
    • The refectory is located to the rear right of the ground floor, before the toilets.
    • There is step-free access to the refectory.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • 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 71cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • All chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This area has self service vending machines available.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • 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.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the library.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630 Kg.
  • The lift is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the library 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 108cm x 148cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 10in).
  • 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 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 low.

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 36m (39yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear right of the ground floor.
    • 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 inwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 131cm x 216cm (4ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is push.
    • There is not 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 177cm 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 the right.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can 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 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot 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 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 good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • Further accessible toilet facilities are located in the atrium of the Arch.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located off the rear of the library.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located off the corridor outside the library.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.

SafeZone

  • SafeZone is a free app based system for students and staff that enhances their personal safety. SafeZone extends the reach of campus safety and security, to cater for the real time needs of the people who use campus every day. It provides a quick and easy way for users to alert SafeGuarding Services, when help or assistance is needed.
  • For information about the SafeZone please click here.