Research conducted by Cambridge University Libraries' Futurelib programme has shown that the capacity for individuals to tailor and customise their own working environment can be incredibly valuable. Providing options in terms of adjustable light and noise levels, as well as adjustable furniture, or a range of different types of furniture, is extremely important to support library users with a diverse range of needs and approaches to study. 

When designing and furnishing library spaces, think about:

• Providing adjustable furniture, such as adjustable chairs and tables. If this is not possible, provide a range of furniture to support different postures and needs.
  • See the 'Providing accessible furniture' section at the bottom of this page for more detail on how to go about sourcing accessible furniture at the University of Cambridge.
• Giving users options to control their individual working environment, for example, noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs, dimmer-switch desk lamps, laptop stands.
• Providing inter-connected spaces with different features, facilities, atmospheres and aesthetics, noise and light levels, to support different working activities and user needs.

The Futurelib 'Protolib' project provides guidance as to designing a range of inter-connected library spaces, with different features and providing different experiences for library users.

Click here to read the full Protolib project report. 

It is recommended that each library has at least one height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic and height-adjustable chair, and an accessible lamp

The University has an online furniture quotation form available. Click here to access the online quotation form for accessible (and other) furniture.

• When completing the form, be as descriptive as possible but avoid listing any particular brands.
• It is advisable to give suppliers a deadline to reply to requests by.
• Once completed, the form will automatically be sent to all of the University's preferred suppliers. Suppliers will then get in touch via phone or email to provide quotes for, and details of, suitable furniture.
• A purchase order is then drawn up by, or on behalf of, the purchaser, and sent directly to the supplier.

All of the University's preferred furniture suppliers are able to supply ergonomic chairs. One chair that has been recommended is the Platinum Ergo Task Chair, which comes equipped with seat height and tilt, back height and tilt, adjustable headrest, height adjustable fold down arms, seat slide mechanism and inflatable lumbar support.

The responsibility for purchasing accessible furniture may fall under the remit of an individual library, department or faculty, depending on circumstance. Each Cambridge college will have its own procedure for purchasing and acquiring furniture.

There are a wide range of considerations to make when thinking about signs for your library, as many users with different needs will be using the library. Here are a few things to take into account when designing signs.

Contrast

• Try to make sure there is a good contrast between the colour of the sign and the colour of the wall or bookshelf behind the sign. If these are very similar, consider a thick border of a contrasting colour in your sign
• Make sure there is a strong contrast between the colour of the text and the colour of the sign
• Consider backgrounds other than white, especially if there is block text on the sign. 

Font and language

• Make text as large as possible. Avoid text under size 24 (ideally under 36)
• Use a Sans Serif Font
• Use plain English (or French, Arabic, Latin etc) and avoid jargon where possible
• Consider braille stickers for key locations including toilets

Position

• The ideal height of a sign for visually impaired people when standing is 1400mm and 1700mm. The ideal height for wheelchair users would be between 1000mm and 1100mm. As such if you can put signs at both heights, then great. If only one sign then aim for 1200-1500mm
• If using a protective cover make sure it is non-reflective
• Ideally put signs in well-lit positions. If this is not possible consider task lighting options
• Try to avoid placing signs on backgrounds which contain a lot of visual clutter 
• If using a free standing sign, make sure it isn’t a trip hazard or blocking a pathway

Colour coding and images

• Do consider using colour coding and images where appropriate, but don’t convey information using only colour
• If there is an arrow pointing to something, make sure the arrow is after the image as you are looking in the direction of the object (e.g. Toilets → or ←Toilets NOT Toilets ← or →Toilets)

General

• Make sure accessible routes are clearly marked