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Accessibility support

Welcome

Welcome to the accessibility support section of the website. Here you will be able to find all the information you'll need about accessibility within our libraries and also the library support services available. 

The library provides a range of services and support for students and staff with additional needs. We have made sure that our libraries are fully accessible to wheelchair users with lifts available for access to the different floors within the libraries. 

Identifying your needs - once you have joined the University we recommend organising an appointment with your Academic Skills Tutor as soon as possible to discuss your individual needs in relation to using the Library and its services.

Who can I contact for support?

The Student Connect Team are available to help students with a full range of initial enquiries. This mobile team offer help and support throughout the day online and in person, whilst maintaining and servicing your university library spaces.

If you have issues with welfare, then we have a service that can help. Whether your concerns are related to your course, careers, money matters, physical health, disability or wellbeing, whatever the issue, we'll help you get the right support.

If you want to look at the support we offer in more detail then browse our student support pages which help with all issues affecting your studies and your student life. 

What help is on hand?

  • We have staff in the Student Connect team who can help you at all our sites, just ask at our help points for any assistance you need, from help with finding books, using the multi function printers or how to use the lifts.

  • We have accessible height customer service desks and self service machines.

  • There are also height adjustable desks at Library Core and Blackheath Lane Library. 

  • You can make your own large prints but please refer to the copyright issues relating to accessible formats.

  • We have an online guide which sets out the accessibility support that the Library provides to students both on and off campus. This covers visiting our Libraries and accessing our electronic resources.

What if I can't get to the Library?

If you are unable to visit any of our libraries we can do a number of things to suit your needs. Books can be posted out to your home address and we can request that items are copied for you and then delivered either via the post or email. You can access our full library catalogue online and reserve and renew your books online via your library account. 

If you would like to speak to someone you can call our customer experience desk during staffed hours (Monday-Thursday 8.45am-5pm, Friday 8.45am-4.45pm) on 01782 294751, or contact the Student Connect team in others ways.

Accessible Formats service

Alternative format materials can be obtained for students with additional print needs. This service is available to current students referred via the Student Inclusion Team.

For students with a Learning Support Statement (LSS) the Library will attempt to acquire an accessible copy of any book where you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to use printed texts. If you are unsure if this includes you, please contact a member of Student Inclusion Team via email at student-inclusion@staffs.ac.uk.

If the text you need is only available in print format, we will make an application to the publisher or via RNIB Bookshare for alternative format files. Where electronic files or alternative formats are not available we may be able to make an in-house accessible copy of essential chapters or extracts where this is reasonable.

In order to process a request, the title must be stocked by the Library. Please check the Library Catalogue before making a request.

Alternative formats are for personal study only, for the duration of your course and must not be shared. A full list of usage terms will be sent to you with each alternative format.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the team via email at readinglists@staffs.ac.uk