Disability support

Student studying a rare book in Special Collections

Library services

Spaces, equipment and assisted technology

The Sheppard-Worlock Library is fully accessible. There is a low level section of desk for wheelchair access at the Library Help Point, which is also fitted with a hearing induction loop. Mobile loops for other help points are available on request.

The lift to the first floor is fitted with an alarm and audible instructions. For access to the Senate room please ask at the Library Help Point.

Please remember that all library staff are here to help you. Contact your subject librarian for individual and subject specific help and advice contact us.

The library offers a wide range of additional services for students with disabilities. So it’s important that you check your Learning Support Plan (LSP) to find out whether you are eligible for any of the services below, or contact the Learning Support team on l earningsupport@hope.ac.uk or 0151 291 3427.

Help with borrowing books

Book retrieval service

Library staff will retrieve items from the shelves and leave them to be picked up from the reservations shelf in the library you have selected as your collection point. This is not an immediate service, but you will be notified via your university email account as soon as the item/s are ready to collect.

Requests for books using this service can be submitted by completing the Disability Book Request Form below.

This is not an immediate service but you will be notified as soon as it is ready to collect from the reservations shelf in the library you have selected as your collection point.

Please check the library catalogue to ensure the item is available before placing a request.

The items will be held for 7 days after which it will be returned to the shelves.

Disability Book Request Form

If you are unable to borrow items in person

A support worker, friend or family member may be able to to borrow items on your behalf. In order to do so they must have your ID card and an accompanying letter. Contact the Learning Support Team who will arrange this for you on learningsupport@hope.ac.ukor 0151 291 3427.

Textbooks in alternative formats

RNIB Bookshare

This scheme provides textbooks in electronic accessible formats in a whole range of subjects. Please see the RNIB Bookshare guide and/or video guide for more information.

To access Bookshare from a smartphone or tablet the RNIB recommend downloading the free Dolphin EasyReader app. Once the app has been installed and you have registered and logged on, Bookshare can be selected from the list of libraries. See the RNIB webpages for more information including an introduction video and Q&A about page.

Other formats

We may be able to provide textbooks in other formats e.g. Braille.

Please contact the Learning Support Team for more information and to register for the above options.

Email: learningsupport@hope.ac.uk

Tel: 0151 291 3427

Ebook platforms on OneSearch

Most of the ebooks on OneSearch are available via one of our two main ebook platforms Ebooks Central and Ebooks on EBSCO. Both these databases provide some useful accessibility features. For more information please see this short Ebook Platform Accessibility guide Ebook Platform Accessibility guide. There is also a short video guide. For help with finding ebooks using OneSearch have a look at the How to search for library books and ebooks using OneSearch video or OneSearch Quick Start Guide OneSearch Quick Start Guide.

Library guides and documents

All our guides and documents are available on the library web pages. They can also be made available in alternative formats (e.g. cream paper, large print), but please allow time for us to arrange this.

Printing

Students eligible to claim printing expenses from their funding body should first make the payment at the Library Help Point to obtain a receipt*. Take the receipt and your ID card to the IT Help Desk on the first floor of SWL where staff will credit your printing account.

*Students based at Creative Campus should pay for printing at the Library Help Point. Staff will contact the IT Help Desk on your behalf to ensure your account is credited.

Allow 24 hours before checking your printing account to make sure the amount has been credited.

We can also supply cream paper for use in the photocopiers. Please ask at the Library Help Point for further information.

The Accessible Study Suite is located on the ground floor of the library near Special Collections. You will need your ID card to enter this drop-in space. The suite is equipped with PCs loaded with JAWS, Inspirations, Read & Write, ZoomText, Dragon and Kurzweil. There is also a CCTV available in this suite to enlarge text.

Accessible Private study space 004 on the ground floor rear end of the library is loaded with JAWS, Inspirations, Read & Write, ZoomText, Dragon and Kurzweil. There is a large screen monitor, scanner, and CCTV available in this room.

Accessible Private study space 105 on the first floor rear-end of the library is loaded with Inspirations, ZoomText, Dragon, Read & Write and Kurzweil. These rooms are available on the online booking system and can also be booked at the Library Help Point.

Private study space 005 and 006 on the ground floor rear end of the library are loaded with Inspirations, Kurzweil and Read & Write. These rooms are available on the online booking system.

All PCs on the ground, first floor, and private study spaces are now loaded with Inspirations, SPSS, Sibelius and Read & Write software.

Creative Campus

The Accessible Study Suite is located in the Capstone Building in room CAP210 and is loaded with JAWS, Inspirations, Read & Write, ZoomText, Dragon, and Kurzweil. To book this space, please enquire at the security help point.

Students with an LSP can book these specialist study spaces up to 1 week in advance and should request access to book these rooms by emailing: learningsupport@hope.ac.uk or askalibrarian@hope.ac.uk.