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

The Cambridge Libraries Accessibility guide signposts 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 full guide is available online. 

Knowing how to make the best use of the libraries and resources available to you during your studies is important. To help you, the libraries offer induction and orientation sessions and other types of training. Look out for further information from your college or faculty library or contact libraries directly for information. Staff will try to accommodate any accessibility needs that you may have in these sessions.

If you feel that you would benefit from a tailored or one-to-one session, please email the Libraries Accessibility Service or speak to your college or faculty/departmental library staff.