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Library Accessibility Guide

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Library Accessibility Guide Library Accessibility Guide Project and report conducted by Ebie Edwards Cole and Kathryn Reece On behalf of Oxford SU Disabilities Campaign Please email [email protected] to update an entry. Last update: February 2020 Page 1 of 107 Contents Introduction Purpose, objectives. Specific Library Information Links Use the links to access information regarding a specific library. Key Findings Statistics, facts of particular note. Individual Library Information Information gathered regarding each library. Page 2 of 107 Introduction The Library Accessibility Project (LAP) was completed over the summer of 2018 by two of DisCam’s Executive Committee Members, Ebie Edwards Cole and Kathryn Reece, who are no longer on the committee. DisCam is Oxford SU’s Campaign for inclusion and accessibility for students with disabilities. The reason for undertaking the LAP was due to concerns with regards to lack of accessibility of Oxford University Libraries, raised by several members of DisCam community and recognised by the DisCam committee. The initial purpose of the LAP was to gather accurate information about all current libraries affiliated with the University of Oxford, as current information sources are in need of updating, enabling students to understand the current accessibility of all libraries, and the facilities available to them at each library. However, when gathering information and student opinion, it became evident that there are inconsistencies with the accessibility standards across the university libraries. Using the JISC library accessibility framework (https://www.jisc.ac.uk/guides/enhancing-staff- support-for-learners-with-disabilities/the-accessible-library) and self assessments provided, plus findings from our data, we have collated a set of recommendations for libraries affiliated with the University of Oxford. Based on this analysis, a report was created to discuss the practical implications of the findings. This is not an academic report. Library Accessibility Recommendations 2018 seeks to make practical recommendations as to how libraries can improve their standard of accessibility and develop the proactive approach to accessibility provision that is embedded in DisCam’s operations. It also seeks to open up discussions with library services and to work collaboratively on solutions and improve the experience of disabled students. Although the below document focuses exclusively on library accessibility, it is important to note that this is only one part of a much bigger picture. DisCam hopes that by shining a light on accessibility Oxford University will strive to do better and improve access for students with disabilities across the university. Library Accessibility Recommendations 2018 can be found here. This guide aims to this fulfil the initial intention of the Library Accessibility Project, thereby providing factual information about all current libraries affiliated with the University of Oxford. This guide is designed for students, and prospective students, so that they can easily check vital library accessibility information. Some of the information, such as the ‘ranks’ that certain accessibility criteria have been allocated, may be made clearer by reference to the ‘variables and categorisations’ section, which can be found in the Library Accessibility Recommendations 2018. Nonetheless, this information is not necessary to understand information about libraries in isolation. The DisCam Committee take no responsibility for inaccuracies in information, though have tried to validate it as much as possible while not being physically present in Oxford. If you are aware of any problems with the data we have been supplied with, please contact [email protected] so it can be modified accordingly. The Key Findings from our data, and the specific information regarding individual libraries is presented below. Page 3 of 107 Specific Library Information Links College Libraries All Souls Linacre St. Catherine's Balliol Lincoln St. Cross Brasenose Magdalen St. Edmund Hall Blackfriars Mansfield St. Hilda's Campion Hall Merton St. Hugh's Christ Church New St. John's Corpus Christi Nuffield St. Peter's Exeter Oriel St Stephen's House Green Templeton Pembroke Trinity Harris Manchester Queen's University Hertford Regent's Park Wadham Jesus Somerville Wolfson Keble St. Anne's Worcester Kellogg St. Anthony's Wycliffe Hall Lady Margaret Hall St. Benet's Bodleian Libraries Bodleian Education Bodleian K B Chen Bodleian Music Faculty Library China Centre Library Library BHCL - Cairns Library, Bodleian Latin America Leopold Muller JRH Centre Library Memorial Library BHCL - Horton Library, Bodleian Law Library Bodleian Social HGH Science Library Bodleian Library - Old BHCL - Knowledge Library English Faculty Library Centre Site Bodleian Library - Philosophy and BHCL - Nuffield Radcliffe Camera Theology Faculties Orthopaedic Centre Library Bodleian Library - Bodleian Japanese Weston Library Radcliffe Science Library Library Page 4 of 107 Rewley House Sherardian Library of Vere Harmsworth Continuing Education Plant Taxonomy Library Library Taylor Institution Wellcome Unit Sackler Library Library Sainsbury Library (Said Tylor Library Business School) Other Libraries Balfour Library (Pitt Middle East Centre Rivers Museum) Library Oxford University Museum of the Natural Bodleian Staff Library Museum of the History History Library of Science Library Careers Service Library Oxfordshire History Oriental Institute Centre for Hindu Centre Library Library Studies Library Pauling Centre for Oxford Centre for Chantry Library Human Sciences Islamic Studies Library Library Computer Science Oxford Centre for Library Physiology Library Mission Studies Library Earth Sciences Library Pusey House Library Oxford Institute for Instituto Camoes Energy Studies Library Research Laboratory Library for Archaeology Library Oxford Internet Institute Language Centre Library Ruskin School of Art Library Library Oxford Learning Maison Française Institute Russian and Eurasian Library Studies Centre Library Oxford Union Society Materials Library Library Sir William Dunn of Pathology Library Mathematical Institute Library Statistics Library Page 5 of 107 Key Findings ● 59 (60.20%) libraries do not have complete step-free access. 90.70% of college libraries have no or only partial step-free access. ● Two thirds of libraries (65 libraries) have no form of hearing support system. ● 26 (26.53%) libraries have no ergonomic equipment. Of the 72 (73.47%) libraries that do have some ergonomic equipment, 61 (62.24%) of these are allocated the lowest ranking of Rank 1. ● 56 (57.14%) libraries have no height-adjustable desks. Of the 56 libraries with no height-adjustable desks, 26 are college libraries, 4 are Bodleian libraries, and 26 are other libraries. ● 44 (44.91%) libraries have no visual aids. 53.8% of libraries with some form of visual aid are allocated the lowest Rank of 1. ● Of the college libraries, only 13 (30.23%) libraries report having a formal book return and delivery system in place. ● 55 (56.12%) libraries have both accessible and standard toilets. Of these, only nine are college libraries. 18 libraries have no toilets. Page 6 of 107 Individual Library Information All Souls Library All Souls Disability contact Gaye Morgan Email address [email protected] Phone Number 01865 279318 Parking No on-site parking Doors 3 manual doors, not loud or heavy. Noise None Hearing Support System No Visual aids Yes (Rank 2) A couple of magnifying glasses and a few lamps Step free access Partial Small ramp from the entrance gate, a small lip at the main door, and a small step into the library, which is reportedly manageable by most wheelchair users, including electric chairs, though not for a larger mobility/scooter type vehicle. All other areas are level access. Ergonomic equipment Yes (Rank1) 3 office chairs with adjustable backs/heights/etc., which can be used when necessary. Five wooden book rests/stands available on request. Foam book supports are only used for special collections material. Height-adjustable desks Other arrangement A long table can be adapted to standing height (and has been used well in the past). Separate table which can be height adjusted by use of block. Book delivery/return N/A Toilets 2 all-gendered toilets down a flight of stairs. One all-gender accessible toilet, which you would need to ask Library staff for access to. Other N/A Click to return to specific library links Page 7 of 107 Balliol Library Balliol Disability contact Naomi Tiley Email address [email protected] Phone Number 01865 277709 Parking Some parking available in the Garden Quad (approx. 800m from library) Doors Main door is manual and loud, but not particularly heavy Noise Low One room contains a clock that can sometimes be heard, but the other two do not. The main door can be quite loud. Noise-blocking earplugs are provided. Hearing Support System No Visual aids Yes (Rank 1) Multiple lamps, of various intensity are available Step free access Partial No step-free access to the main library (the law library, old library and new reading room) as there is a spiral stairwell for the main entrance. A second entrance permits access to the lower stacks at ground level, although these only contain books that are less used, and the door is not usually kept open. Access to the higher levels from the lower stacks is via steps. Ergonomic equipment Yes (Rank 1) Approx. 30 bookstands Height-adjustable desks Other arrangement Approx. 10 adjustable
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