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Inclusive Library Support

Our Commitment

We are committed to making our information resources, support services, and Campus Library spaces accessible and welcoming to all registered Library users. We continuously review and improve our services to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.

If you experience any difficulties using the Library or have questions about accessibility, please contact the Head of User Engagement, who has specific responsibility for supporting students with disabilities. To access enhanced Library services, students with disabilities should register with Student Wellbeing disability services.

Enhanced Library Services

Enhanced Borrowing Entitlements

Students registered with Student Wellbeing Disability Services may be referred for enhanced borrowing arrangements and a note added to your borrower record to alert staff that exceptional arrangements may be required

Please let library staff know how long you feel you will need to borrow items for. We try to be as flexible as possible and not set too many limits. We may not always be able to extend the loan of copies from the high demand collections. However please ask, and we will try to help if we can.

Let library staff if you would like assistance with locating books. Please be aware that it may not always be possible for staff to leave the Information Point immediately during busy times i.e., lunch times, to help locate books. However, you may leave a list of books with staff and arrange a suitable time to collect them.

Note: the Library’s fines policy for late returns applies to all users. To avoid charges, ensure items are returned or renewed on time. Full details about borrowing, renewing, and fines are available on the Library Borrowing page.

Individual Library Induction

Our Subject Team staff are happy to provide one-to-one support tailored to your needs. If you request an individual induction during your meeting with a Student Wellbeing Advisor, you will receive an invitation from us.

Your session can include:

  • A guided tour of the Library, including key services and facilities
  • How to search for books using the Library catalogue
  • How to borrow and renew items
  • Information about late return charges
  • Using the Library portal to access:
    • Online reading lists
    • Electronic journals and eBooks
    • Subject databases
    • Subject guides and help resources
  • Borrowing from other campuses
  • Requesting books or journal articles from other libraries · Registration for the Bookshare service (for students with a recognised print disability)
  • Large-print versions of guides (on request)
  • Printed copies of Library training presentations

Tip: You can also complete an online induction at your own pace through the Getting Started in the Library page and the Information Skills Guide.

Alternative Formats Service

Accessing printed materials can be challenging for students with visual impairments or other print disabilities. Students with a recognised print disability can register with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to use the Bookshare service.

The University also provides an Alternative Formats Service, with support from the Library.

An alternative format is an accessible version of a text, such as:

  • OCR PDF
  • Braille
  • Audio

The Library can:

  • Check for existing accessible versions of required reading
  • Purchase an eBook where it provides a suitable alternative format
  • Contact publishers to request an electronic file where available

Booking a Group Study Room

You can book a study room to meet with your support tutor:

  • At the Library Information Point
  • By telephone on 028 7012 4141

Rooms are available in:

  • 1-hour slots
  • Up to 2-hour slots
  • Bookable up to 1 week in advance

If you require longer sessions or need to book further in advance, please speak to Library staff at the Information Point or by phone.

Please note that study rooms are in high demand and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Bookable study rooms are available in all Campus Libraries. Some rooms include assistive technology and scanning facilities. For more information, enquire at the Information Desk.

Accessing Campus Libraries

For details on accessing Campus Libraries, including emergency and vacation procedures, please visit the Access to Campus Libraries webpage.