Learner Support Services
A Directorate of Corporate Services
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The Library staff work closely with the Disability Service to ensure that our services present as few problems as possible to disabled users. In addition to considering ways of improving physical access we have also introduced special services and equipment which we hope will enable users to maximise their use of Learner Support Services during their time at the University.
The entrances to all main Learner Support Service buildings are level or accessible by ramp. Some of our facilities are in other buildings on campus, all of which have their own entrance ramps and internal lifts. The J B Priestley Library is fitted with automatically opening doors. For entry to the Management Library, please ring the bell at the entrance if you need assistance.
Access to the upper and lower floors in the J B Priestley Library is by lift or stairs; the operator panel in the lift is easily accessible and is labelled in Braille. Voice output indicates the floor level reached. At the Management Library, access between the two floors is by lift or stairs. The lifts in the Richmond Building (where PC cluster rooms and the staff IT training room are situated) are similarly equipped.
The information desks in Careers and the J B Priestley Library have low-level sections which wheelchair users may find much more convenient.
Computer terminals from which the Library's catalogue and self-service facilities can be accessed are situated on tables at both standing and sitting heights in all three libraries. In addition, there are two adjustable-height workstations on both the ground floor and in PC cluster room 2.7a in the J B Priestley Library.
Assistance can be sought from any counter or information desk in the various Learner Support Services buildings. This may include physical help in making photocopies, locating and reaching books, using the catalogue or using specialised equipment, etc.
In addition, your relevant Subject Librarian in the Library can help with finding information, using relevant electronic resources and so on. You may first need to make an appointment.
British Sign Language to a basic level has been studied by some members of the Library staff. If you would find this useful, please ask for Wendy Wrigglesworth in the J B Priestley Library.
Users with dyslexia may find the Help sheet for users with dyslexia useful. This is available in both libraries.
Users of Microsoft Word 2007 may also find the document Accessibility Aids in Microsoft Word 2007 (pdf format, 282 KB) helpful.
Learner Support Services staff are continuing to ensure that it's web site meets the requirement defined by the W3C. This concerns the accessibility of information and services provided via the web.
Photocopying can be done for you at the same cost as self-service copies, although you will probably have to collect copies later in the day. Urgent copies may sometimes be made at the self-service copiers with help from the Library staff when time permits.
One photocopier in the J B Priestley Library is permanently stocked with tinted paper. At the Management Library, please ask at the Service Desk and the staff will stock the copier for you.
Documentation produced in the Libraries can be tailored to your individual needs, such as larger font size or differently coloured paper.
Renewals of one week and four week loans which are not requested by other readers can be made by automated telephone service, by textphone, over the web, or by telephone.
If, because of your disability, you feel you would benefit from an extension to the one week loan period, please speak with the Disability Service in the first instance - this can sometimes be arranged through them.
All Learner Support PC clusters have at least one computer with a larger screen for visually impaired users. All the computers have the standard Windows XP Accessibility features enabled. You can find more information about these features in our document Accessibility Options in Microsoft Windows and PC Clusters or on the Microsoft website. In addition, a number of useful software packages can be found in the Disabled Users folder on the start menu of PCs.
Some items of specialist equipment which users with disabilities may find helpful are available throughout the three Libraries. Examples are magnifying equipment, both black and white, and colour, which focus on and enlarge text, daylight reading lamps and TFT PC screens. Please ask the staff if you need assistance in using this equipment.
There is also a small study room without daylight, fitted with a desk lamp with conventional bulb.
Service points and teaching areas in the Libraries are fitted with a hearing loop.
There is a textphone in the J B Priestley Library (01274 233687) for calls to or from users of the libraries who have hearing or speech difficulties.
The Library buildings are wireless-enabled, should you wish to bring in your own laptop and software.
The University's Security staff are qualified First Aiders. Please report accidents or emergencies to Learner Support Services or Security staff.
In case of fire the lifts in the J B Priestley Library and Management Library should not be used. If you are in the J B Priestley Library and cannot use 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 refer to the University's Disability Officers.
The Disability Service staff can also arrange for you to have your own Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) drawn up, according to each campus building which you use.
You will find a fully accessible toilet on Floor 0 (ground floor) of the J B Priestley Library and in the Refectory at the School of Management. The toilets on Floor 1 of the J B Priestley Library have certain accessibility features also.
For further information, contact Maria Simoes in the J B Priestley Library (01274 236033), or email m.j.simoes@bradford.ac.uk. If you have further needs which are not met by the above provisions, these can then be discussed, although an appointment may sometimes be necessary.
The University of Bradford Library is a member of the Open
Rose Group: opening up access for disabled users of Academic Libraries in Yorkshire.
The group was formed in January 2003 to exchange ideas and discuss policies
and procedures in order to move from base-level provision to best practice
in the provision of services to disabled library customers.
Courtesy of the SCONUL Award for Staff Development 2003, the Group produced
a training package consisting of a DVD and supporting materials, entitled
Disability Awareness Training for Libraries. This training
package is available to order.