This guide is put together by the Cambridge Libraries Accessibility Service. It is intended for:

• students using any library in the Cambridge libraries network (University Library, faculty/departmental libraries, college libraries) who are looking for information or advice about accessible library services

• people who are considering applying to Cambridge, or have been accepted on a course, and would like to know how accessible our libraries are and what support is available for those with accessibility needs

For some of the services mentioned in this guide evidence of a disability is required through registration with the University's Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC).

Using libraries and library resources (books, articles, databases etc.) is at the heart of a Cambridge education and at the centre of academic research. While we strive to make libraries universally accessible, we are a long way from this aim. Sometimes library users can encounter barriers to reading and study.

Barriers can present problems for:

• people with a permanent disability, such as a visual or physical impairment, a specific learning disability or a mental health condition

• those with a temporary disability, such as an injury or illness

• people in situations where using some kinds of resources can be a struggle: studying in noisy environments, poor lighting, a slow internet connection, using a small screen for example

This guide helps by signposting information and services to help overcome these barriers, as well as explaining some of the ways in which the libraries are working towards a more universally accessible service.

The Libraries Accessibility Service works across the Cambridge library network to ensure that library users have equal access to services and resources regardless of their accessibility needs. We work closely with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC). Some students are referred to us by the ADRC or by colleagues across the library network, but you can also contact us directly. 

To request an online or in person meeting with a member of the Libraries Accessibility Service team please click on the Make Appointment button below. If you prefer, you can email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. Please try to let us know in good time if you need to cancel an appointment.

If none of the times in the calendar work for you, get in touch. We will try to arrange something else.

Throughout this LibGuide you will find links to external websites. Although we make every effort to ensure these links are accurate, up to date and relevant, we cannot take responsibility for pages maintained by other parts of Cambridge University or external providers.  

Please report any links that don't work to disability@lib.cam.ac.uk.

This page last updated 29 July 2024