This guide tells you how to access library services specifically aimed at disabled students and those with Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia). Every member of staff working in the library spaces will help you use the services that we provide. In addition, we have a library disability support representative for each college who you can contact through Compass, live chat or our service points about your specific requirements:
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Sara Hafeez is the Library Disability Support Representative for the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries
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Sara Goddard is the Library Disability Support Representative for Westminster Business School
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Jennifer Yellin is the Library Disability Support Representative for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
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The library provides a number of services specifically for disabled students and those with Specific Learning Difficulties:
Once you are registered with Disability Learning Support, you automatically have access to this scheme. Books that are typically issued for one week will be extended to two-week loans. You will also have automatic renewals; however, if another student requests a book, you will need to return it on or before the due date to avoid a borrowing block.
If you are registered with Disability Learning Support, you can reserve books for collection at your library using the “Request” button in Library Search. You usually have a week to collect the books, so check your University email for updates on when the books are ready to collect.
The University provides increased printing credits for students registered with Disability Learning Support.
Under UK copyright law, if you are blind or partially sighted, you have extended rights when copying and scanning.
A detailed explanation of exceptions to copyright for disabled users can be found at CopyrightUser
The library works with your academics to ensure that your module's core book is available on your reading list as an accessible e-textbook (through e-textbook providers such as Kortext and publishers such as Taylor and Francis and EBSCO). These platforms are great for accessibility as they include features such as read-aloud (screen reader), background colour change, downloadability and font styles, including open dyslexic. We ensure an EPUB file is provided wherever possible.
Refer to the Kortext accessibility guide to learn how to use the accessible features of Kortext e-textbooks.
If you are blind or partially sighted or have a reading impairment, you can ask your Academic Engagement Librarian to set you up with a Bookshare account for direct access to accessible books. This will provide access to accessible books, enabling you to search for and find the formats that work best for you.
Bookshare may already have accessible e-copies of selected items from your reading lists. In some cases, we may need to request the title. You will need to discuss which titles are most appropriate with your module leader and the Academic Engagement Librarian who works with your course or college.
Formats provided by Bookshare include
For maps, directions and physical access to each library, please go to our Libraries web page and choose the campus you wish to visit.
Cavendish
Students can get to the entrance of the library on the 3rd floor of the Cavendish site from the lifts on the ground floor. To arrange access to the 4th and 5th floors of the library, please contact Disability Learning Support DLS@westminster.ac.uk.
Harrow
The lift provides access to all areas of the library.
Marylebone
Lift access to all floors – the lift is card-operated, so please contact Disability Learning Support, DLS@westminster.ac.uk, to arrange access.
Please note that only audible fire alarms are currently used in all libraries. If you are unable to hear the fire alarm, please inform library staff when you first enter the library.
Information on the location of computer rooms in the University and the available assistive software can be found on our webpages.
Sensus Access allows you to convert file formats (e.g. a Word document to an audio file) and is available via the Learning Resources tab in Blackboard Software.
There's an e-learning module to help you use this tool: https://access.sensus.dk/elearn/sa/en-us/
We have created a guide called Digital Accessibility which has guidance on how to improve working online and how to adjust technology to fit your needs or preferences.
Please find out how to access the sensory maps that we have created for each library. These maps highlight areas with strong sensory features, such as bright lights, loud sounds, and quiet zones, to help users better navigate and enjoy their library experience.
Each library offers access to height-adjustable tables. However, the library cannot guarantee specific study spaces for students with disabilities apart from the assistive technology machines available in each library. If you encounter any issues while using the library study space, please speak with your disability adviser in Disability Learning Support.
Password-protected dedicated PCs are available in the following locations:
Problems related to IT software or equipment should be reported through the Service Desk on 020 7915 5488 or online at https://servicedesk.westminster.ac.uk
