Services for Disabled Users
Our Additional Support manager is Linda Jones
Access
Main Access to the University Library is via Cambridge Road however there is also an entrance on the opposite side of the building accessed from Ravelin Park.
Users with the blue "parking permit for the disabled" can park at the meters without charge or on double yellow lines for a maximum of three hours.
An accessible toilet is located in a corridor off the entrance lobby on the ground floor. If you do not have a RADAR key for this, please ask at the reception desk.
There are two lifts giving access to the first and second floors. The lift must not be used when the fire alarm is sounded.
It is helpful if readers with mobility or hearing problems advise a member of staff at the reception desk when entering or leaving the Library. Appropriate measures can then be taken to ensure safety in the event of an emergency.
Library Staff
All members of the library staff are happy to help disabled readers or those with special needs that may make it difficult for them to access our collections. Staff can help with:
- Searching the library stock
- Locating stock, checking the shelves and fetching books and journals
- Photocopying
- Literature searches
- Inter-Library loans
- Using the database workstations
If however, you wish your visit to be confidential, please see Elisa as a first point of contact. We can then help you make the best use of the Library and its resources.
Elisa Lillicrap
Senior Library Assistant
Tel: 023 9284 3210
Email: issuedesk@port.ac.uk (in the Subject field type in: For the Attention of Elisa)
You can find Elisa at the Loans Help Desk on the Ground Floor.
See Elisa
- for the issue of photocopying cards (or from any member of staff at this point if she is unavailable).
- if you have sight or reading problems. She can arrange to waive fines on loans up to one week overdue (except items that are reserved).
Faculty Librarians provide support for each of the courses in the University and they organise programmes which introduce you to the Library and help you acquire research skills.
Facilities Available
- Portable induction loops at enquiry points and in teaching rooms
- Library Guides in different formats upon request
- An accessible web site
- Headphones available on request
- An assistive technology area containing:
- adjustable tables for wheelchair access
- 21" monitor
- ergonomic keyboard
- trackball mouse
- microtrac mini-mouse
- document camera
- MagniLink X Split Reader - a magnifying electronic autofocusing vision aid
For help with any of the above, please contact staff at the Information Desk on the Ground floor.
Tel: 023 9284 3228
Alternative Formats
The Library staff work with ADSAC to help supply alternative formats for key texts. Ask at the Information Desk about the provision of scanned chapters and articles from print items held in stock.
Photocopying Cards
- Students with the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) may claim back the money for photocopying from their Local Education Authority by sending them the receipts
- The cards can be purchased at no extra expense from Elisa or any member of staff at the Issue Desk
The pre-charged cards are:
£6.00 giving you 100 A4 copies
£12.00 giving you 200 A4 copies - Any member of staff can help you with your photocopying if you are unable
- Readers may leave their cards with Elisa who will give you your balance after each request
- If you prefer your photocopying done on buff or other coloured paper the Loans Help Desk staff will be happy to assist upon request.
Links
The Library has close links with Student Services:
Additional Support & Disability Advice Centre
University of Portsmouth
Nuffield Centre
St Michaels Rd
Portsmouth, PO1 2ED
Tel: 023 9284 3462
Email: ASDAC@port.ac.uk
Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre
Portsmouth Central Library in Guildhall Square also has a range of equipment for users with special needs.
