We are committed to providing equal access to our services and facilities for all users. For any additional support please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Disability Resource Centre offers a range of support for students at Cambridge. Take a look at their virtual transition event here: www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk/2021-virtual-transition-event
Jerwood Library Building
Many people feel overwhelmed by libraries. If you want to see the space before visiting please check out our walkthrough video. We are happy to provide a one to one induction for you at a quiet time with a member of library staff.
- There is step-free access to the library. Please note that the lower ground floor and computer room are not wheelchair accessible.
- All floors except the Computer room on the 3rd floor are served by a lift.
- Some bookshelves require the use of a kick stool to reach. Please ask staff if you need any books fetched.
- The library is a quiet/silent space throughout
- There are two gender neutral toilets on the ground floor. These are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Using resources
Many books are now available to read online, but if you need a book from the shelves and find this difficult, we can help in several different ways:
- Some shelves require the use of a kick stool. Library staff are happy fetch items for you so that you can collect them from trolley on the ground floor of the library. Please email with you requests.
- If you are unable to access a physical library for any reason, you can nominate someone to borrow on your behalf. if you have been assigned a helper from the Disability Resource Centre (DRC), please let us know so that we can arrange their induction and set up an account for them to borrow books for you.
- We can check whether a printed book can be purchased as an ebook by the University
- We can scan a chapter or up to 5% of a book for you
- If another user requests a book you have borrowed, you may need to return it. If this is difficult for you, contact us straight away.
- Alternate Formats Service If you are registered with the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) and have agreed to share your Student Support Document, accessible digital versions of books and other materials held in Cambridge libraries can be created on request by emailing disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. Further information about the service can be found on the Cambridge libraries: accessibility and disability LibGuide
- For students with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions which mean they are unable to visit the Library in person, the Library offers a book delivery/return system. Requests should be made by emailing the Library.
- Well-being collection: The Library has a collection of books on mental health, stress reduction that can be borrowed anonymously. These are on the 3rd floor.
Assistant equipment
We have:
- Book rests
- Laptop stands
- Adjustable table lamps
Please let us know if you have any other recommendations of assistive equipment that would help you or other students and we’ll do our best to provide it
Print, Copy and Scan
- A self-service multi-function device for printing, copying and scanning is available on the ground and third floors of the library. You can also request a scan of a book chapter using this form.
- We can provide coloured paper for printing if you need it.
- Scanning is free, but standard charges apply for printing and copying.
Assistive technology
We recommend you visit DRC assistive technology page for information on assistive technology throughout Cambridge University and for training in its use.
The University Library offers an assistive Technology Room that is available to all Cambridge University students. Please see the University Library assistive technology page
Further information
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.
If you have any questions about access to and use of the Library facilities, please email us at library@trinhall.cam.ac.uk