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Library accessibility and services for disabled users

We work closely with the Disability Service to ensure that our services are as accessible to everyone as possible, including those with disabilities. We hope this will enable you to maximise your use of the Library during your time at the University.

The Peace Garden on the University of Bradford campus

Physical access

The entrance to the Library is level and fitted with automatically opening doors. You can access the upper and lower floors of the Library using the stairs or the lift. The lift operator panel is easily accessible and is also labelled in Braille. Voice output in the lift indicates when the door is opening and closing, and the floor level reached.

Our Welcome Desk and Enquiry Desk have low-level sections, which wheelchair users may find more convenient to use.

Our Library Catalogue computers and self-service facilities are on tables at both standing and sitting heights. We also have two adjustable-height desks with computers on Floor 0.

You will find an accessible toilet on Floor 0 of the Library. There are also some accessibility features in the female toilet on Floor 1.

Where to find help

If you come to the Welcome Desk or Enquiry Desk during staffed hours we will be able to help you with printing and photocopying, locating and reaching books and using the Library Catalogue. Our Welcome Desk and Enquiry Desk are fitted with a hearing loop.

You can also contact the Subject Librarians for help with finding information, using relevant electronic resources and referencing. You may need to make an appointment.

Printing and photocopying

We can help you with printing and photocopying. Please ask at our Welcome Desk or Enquiry Desk on Floor 0 during staffed hours.

One of our printers / photocopiers is permanently stocked with cream tinted paper. You are also welcome to bring and use your own paper, if you would prefer.

Resources

We make every effort to purchase resources in formats that are accessible to everyone. If the format of a book or journal is not accessible to you, please contact [email protected] and we will try to make alternative arrangements.

Microsoft accessibility features

The computers in the Library have the standard Windows Accessibility features enabled. You can find more information about how these can help you and instructions on how to use them on the Microsoft® Website.

Reading eBooks out loud

How you access the 'read out loud' function on eBooks will depend on which platform the eBook is available on. 

VLeBooks 

These will have 'vlebooks.com' in the URL e.g. https://www-vlebooks-com.brad.idm.oclc.org... 

  1. Click read online. 
  2. In the next window, in the menu bar at the top, click on the ReadALoud icon. 

EbookCentral 

These will have 'ebookcentral' in the URL e.g. https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.brad...To use the Read online function you will need to change a setting in your profile: 
  1. Go to: Ebook Central.  
  2. Log in with your University username and password.
  3. Under Accessibility mode click on Enable Text Only Mode.  
  4. Tick the I agree to ProQuest's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.  
  5. Click on Save changes.  
Once you have changed your profile settings you will be able to select Read online for books you want to access. 

Converting documents into accessible formats using SensusAccess

SensusAccess is a self-service means of converting documents into a range of formats, including audiobooks (MP3 and Daisy), eBooks (EPUB, EPUB3 and Mobi), and digital Braille. The software produces accessible documents from image-only PDFs, images and Microsoft PowerPoint slides. More than one JPEG can be combined into a single file.

 

Learner Support Profiles additional services

If you have a Learner Support Profile (LSP) with the Disability Service, there are additional services which you may be eligible to use. Please be aware we are only able to provide you with the additional services that the Disability Service has listed on your LSP. 

Additional services may include use of a 'Reserve and Collect' service where we fetch the books you need for you or a named person to collect; registration and access to RNIB Bookshare; access to a quiet room; and the use of designated study carrels.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Bookable study carrels

There are two study carrels in the Study Hub on Floor 01 and an accessible carrel on Floor 0 of the library. These are available for you if you have this included in their Learner Support Profile (LSP) by the disability service. Please check your LSP before you make a booking.

You can book up to 4 hours per day and have up to two live booking at any one time.

An access card is required for the accessible carrel on Floor 0. It can be collected from the library desk. Please be aware that if you do not collect the key from the desk within the first hour of your booking and another student would like to use the room, your booking will be cancelled to enable that student to have the use of the room.

This service is mediated, so please allow time to receive a confirmation email before the start of your booking. To book a study carrel:

  1. Go to the Disability Service study carrel booking page.
  2. Select your preferred room.
  3. Click on Go To Date or the arrow keys to choose the date. 
  4. Choose your preferred start and finish time. 
  5. Log in using your University username and password.
  6. Read the terms and conditions and click on Continue.
  7. Complete the Booking Details page and click on Submit My Booking.
  8. You will receive an email containing a summary of your selection. 
  9. You will receive a second email confirming your booking once staff have checked your eligibility to use this facility.

Personal safety

The University's security staff are qualified first aiders. Please report accidents or emergencies to library or security staff.

In case of fire do not use the lifts. If you are in the library and cannot use the stairs unaided, you should wait for the emergency services in the lift lobby area of the main staircase, or in the emergency exit staircase in the extension of the building. Both of these areas are designated Refuge Points. An E-Vac chair is available on the main staircase for carrying people downstairs quickly.

A Deaf Alerter system which works in conjunction with vibrating personal fire alarms has been installed on campus. Please contact the Disability Service for more information.

The Disability Service can also arrange for you to have your own Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) drawn up, according to each campus building which you use.

Contact us

For further information or if your needs are not met by the above provisions, please contact us at [email protected].

Standards and collaboration groups

Web standards

We work continuously to ensure that our website meets W3C requirements, which concerns the accessibility of information and services provided via the web.

Northern Collaboration Enabling Group

The University of Bradford Library is a member of the Northern Collaboration Enabling Group. This group was formed in March 2014 to facilitate a sharing of good practice for library staff who support disabled customers.