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.

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.
• If you require a seat in a particular location you can reserve it in advance by emailing the library staff

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 your requests.
• If you are unable to access a physical library for any reason, you can nominate someone to borrow on your behalf.
• 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 Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) 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 etc. that can be borrowed anonymously. These are on the 2nd floor.

Assistive equipment

We have:

• Book rests
• Laptop stands
• One height-adjustable table top (can use as a standing desk)
• One ergonomic chair
• One magnifying glass
• Colour overlays to help with visual stress, dyslexia and similar visual-processing conditions

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-functional 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 have 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 the ADRC 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 

The website DnA (https://diversityandability.com/resources)  maintains a  database of productivity tools, many of which are freely available . The website includes reviews, as well as links to the products themselves.

EduApps (https://www.eduapps.org) lists apps which support teaching and learning, which are free to download and use.

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