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Accessing Resources

Cambridge libraries: accessibility & disability

A guide to library accessibility services for students

About study spaces & facilities

Cambridge libraries provide a wide variety of study spaces catering to different tastes as well as subject disciplines.

There are over 100 libraries in the Cambridge library network (you'll probably only use a few of them), occupying very different styles and ages of buildings. They present different accessibility challenges. For example, there may be narrow spaces between shelves or books shelved over two metres high in some libraries, so some users may require assistance. Conversely, many libraries provide different seating (e.g. adjustable chairs) and desk (e.g. standing) options to cater to different needs and preferences, and lifts may be available to improve access.

When you are away from Cambridge you may find our information on accessing libraries outside Cambridge useful.

Below are some pointers to information about study spaces and physical access. As information may go out of date easily, if you have questions about access to library buildings and facilities please contact the relevant library using the contact information in the Cambridge Libraries Directory before you visit.

University Library

The University Library website provides information about access to the University Library building as well as services for disabled library users. There is also a University Library AccessAble listing within the University's AccessAble site. We are happy to arrange a one-to-one tour for anyone concerned about accessing or using the University Library.

Practical information before you visit

If you would like to prepare for your visit to the UL, see our Practical information for your visit. To get some idea of what it is like inside we have a 360-degree walk through of the UL (some things may have changed since this was created).

Assistive Technology RoomPrivate study rooms

Do you need a distraction-free place to study, or somewhere you can talk with an assistant or use speech-to-text without disturbing others? The UL has three bookable private study rooms: one for registered disabled students and two for general use. You can also contact the Libraries Accessibility Service at disability@lib.cam.ac.uk to discuss your needs.

Hand dryers in toilets

Most of the toilets in the University Library have hand dryers, and some are very noisy. The dryers in the toilets on the first floor landings (near the Alpha and Beta lifts) have been switched off and replaced with paper towel dispensers.

Faculty & departmental libraries

Faculty and departmental libraries are generally located within the building that houses other facilities such as lecture theatres, teaching rooms, labs etc. Faculty and department buildings are listed on the University of Cambridge's AccessAble site, and in most cases library information is included. Search the University of Cambridge section of AccessAble for your department or faculty to find out how accessible your library is.

College libraries

Access information for the 31 Cambridge colleges is available from the Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre. Library information is included.

In addition, detailed access guides are now available for 16 Cambridge colleges via the University of Cambridge AccessAble site.

Special Collections

Some libraries in the Collegiate University house special collections including rare books and manuscripts. These materials are often kept in separate spaces. Rules or processes for consulting the materials may differ from other parts of the libraries, and there may be more restrictions in place in order to safeguard the materials.

Search the majority of archives in Cambridge using ArchiveSearch.

If you need any reasonable adjustments when consulting special collections materials or spaces, please contact the Libraries Accessibility Service via disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will consult specialist staff to find out what is possible.

Other study spaces in Cambridge

A colourful, open study lounge with large windows and a variety of furnitureSU Lounge

The SU (Student Union) Lounge offers a wheelchair-accessible, relaxed study space, in the heart of the city.

The space is open to members of the University Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm in and out of term time.

The space offers:

  • Attractive views out of the window

  • Two height-adjustable desks and a range of adjustable chairs

  • Food and drink allowed (a microwave and vending machine are available)

  • Natural daylight

  • Plug sockets and free wifi

  • Gender neutral and accessible toilets

Third floor, University Centre, The University Centre, Granta Place, Cambridge, CB2 1RU (get directions to the University Centre)

For more information email enquiries@cambridgesu.co.uk

Extended opening hours

Most Cambridge college libraries offer extended opening hours including Sundays. Some offer 24-hour access. You may only use your own college library (some colleges make exceptions to consult specific material not held elsewhere but not for general use of study spaces). 

The University Library and the faculty and department libraries do not offer Sunday or 24-hour access.

Cambridge University students can apply for Reference access (i.e. no borrowing) at Anglia Ruskin University Library (Cambridge site) on East Road, near Parkers' Piece. The library offers extended opening hours, including some 24-hour access during term time.

At busy times priority may be given to Anglia Ruskin students.

Apply for Reference access to Anglia Ruskin University Library (under 'Type of membership' select Reference. Allow two weeks to process)

Equipment

A student stands at a height-adjustable desk using his laptop.Some libraries offer height-adjustable desks. In the UL there are eight in the North Reading Room, one in the Assistive Technology Room and a manually-operated desk in the Group Study Room.

Other available equipment varies from library to library but may include:

  • Coloured overlays

  • Coloured paper

  • Wrist rests

  • Laptop stands

  • Ear defenders

See a complete list of items in the University Library. Please contact the Libraries Accessibility Service at disability@lib.cam.ac.uk to suggest equipment that you would find helpful.

Accessing libraries outside of Cambridge

Academic Libraries

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows full-time undergraduate students to register for year-round access to other university libraries. You can register on the SCONUL website. Unfortunately taught postgraduates and part-time undergraduates are not currently covered by this scheme.

All students are eligible for the SCONUL Summer Vacation Scheme, which only applies during university summer vacation periods. You do not need to register in advance to make use of this.

Before visiting another library, make sure you check their website for opening hours and any other important information. For the Summer Vacation Scheme, you should also make sure that you're planning to visit during their vacation period, as other universities don't always align with Cambridge term dates.

London Libraries

The British Library is conveniently located near King's Cross Station. You can register for a free reader's card to use their Reading Rooms, or access café and exhibition spaces without registering. 

Other publicly accessibly libraries in Central London include:

Public Libraries

You will need to register with your local public library in order to borrow books and use some services, but library buildings are usually open to all and can be a useful free option for a workspace during the day. Many public libraries also offer access to wifi, printing facilities, and computers.

Find your nearest public library:

Information out of date?

This page last updated 29 July 2024

Information about buildings, services and facilities can go out of date quickly. If you discover any incorrect information on any of the websites linked from this page, please email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will contact the site owners and ask them to update their pages.

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