Welcome to the University of Bath Library
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all users of our services and facilities. We do this by providing appropriate facilities, including assistive software and equipment, as well as assistance with using the Library and accessing its resources.
This guide provides an overview of services the Library offers in support of students and staff with disabilities. More detailed guides to our services are available. We can provide any Library guide on coloured paper, on request.
An introduction to the Library
Your Subject Librarian will be happy to meet with you for a one-to-one introduction to the Library and a confidential conversation about the library support that you require. You can find contact details for the Subject Librarian for your Department online.
Access
- There is one central Library building on campus, open 24 hours a day all year, including all national holidays.
Staffed services may be limited due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. It is recommended you contact Library staff by email for further advice on any queries you may have about the use of the Library or access to resources.
University Reception on Level 2 is staffed 24 hours a day by members of the campus Security Team.
There are wide automatic sliding doors at the Library entrance, then gates into the Library which swing open when your Library card is placed on their sensor. Reception staff will open the adjacent, wider glass gate, on request. Inside the Library, there are three stairwells and a lift to all five floors.
Fetching books and journals
If you have difficulty reaching books or journals on the shelves, Library staff will be happy to fetch these and put them aside for you to collect. Contact us with this query by email.
If you are a University of Bath student with a support worker we can arrange for them to borrow books on your behalf. If your support worker does not have their own Library card, staff at the Issue Desk will provide them with an access-only card. For enquiries about borrowing books, please email library@bath.ac.uk.
Alternative formats
If you find it difficult to view the Library’s print or electronic resources, ask your Subject Librarian about alternative formats which can be provided. The Library may be able to obtain reading resources in a more accessible format, such as PDF, directly from the publisher.
The University is providing access to a service called Sensus Access that will allow you to convert files, content from websites or text into a range of alternative formats, including audio, e-books and digital Braille. For further information visit the following web address: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/access-information-in-your-preferred-way-with-sensusaccess/
Our scans are rendered accessible by an Optical Character Recognition process that works with most screen readers. Unfortunately, this process does not work on mathematical or scientific equations, formulae or symbols. So please make Library staff aware if you require alternative formats for this type of content.
Alternatively, all the scan/copy/print machines in Copy and Print on Level 2 of the Library can produce free PDF scans. Staff at the Copy & Print point will be happy to help if you need assistance.
Assistive Technology
There are networked computers on all floors of the Library and the entire building is wireless-enabled. Students registered with the Disability Service may also be able to borrow equipment such as a laptop, audio recorder or visualiser, for short or longer term loan. All computers and laptops have a range of assistive software installed, including speech-to-text, mind mapping and screen-reading utilities.
About the Assistive Technology Rooms
The Library in collaboration with the Assistive Technology Team have opened Assistive Technology Rooms for students:
- Room 2.10b: With the current safety measures, this space seats only one student (or one student with a carer).
- Room 2.10c
You can find these spaces at the back of Level 2 of the Library.
Both rooms are equipped with:
- Automatic doors (requiring your library card for access)
- Ergonomic workstations with height adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs
- Computers with position adjustable, standard or touchscreen monitors and Assistive Technology Software
- Networked, low level colour printers/scanners
- Additional space for students wishing to use their own laptops
- Dimmable lights
- Whiteboards
In Room 2.10b, students can additionally access:
- A Braille Embosser,
- An electronic magnifier
- A Projector
- Room Access
You can request access to the AT Room by contacting Disability Services.
If you feel you need access to the room, but you do not have a disability or a medical condition and have other reasons why you need access, please contact the Assistive Technology Team.
Book your space
Please make sure you *book your space via the University study space booking system. If you require a carer or support worker’s assistance, we encourage you to use room 2.10b.
You can find further information or request advice and support with assistive technology via Student Services in 6 West or via the Assistive Technology webpages
What to do in an emergency
- Call Security Control: 666 from University phones or 01225 383999 from a mobile. All three stairwells have refuge areas on Levels 2 to 5, with call points to Security.
- University Reception on Level 2 is staffed 24 hours a day by members of the Security Service, all of whom are qualified first aiders.
- If the fire alarm sounds, do not use the lifts, but leave the building by the nearest fire exit, or wait in one of the stairwell refuge points and use the wall-mounted call point to contact Security.
- If the invacuation siren sounds, stay inside the building, away from windows and doors and close to a networked computer if possible. Follow advice provided by Security or Library staff, or the networked computers.
Further information
For advice on support available for students with disabilities, please contact the University’s Disability Service, email: disabilityadvice@bath.ac.uk or call 01225 383838.