The New Library accessibility information
New Library Accessibility
The New Library accessibility information
Location and Access Path from the Magdalene Street Main Entrance
Where is the facility located in College?
The New Libraryis located on the margin of the Fellows’ Garden, behind Second Court and the Pepys Building.
How is the New Library accessed?
- To access the New Library you will need to follow the path from Magdalene Street Main Entrance/Porters’ Lodge Gate. Gate measures 82cm wide when only one gate is in use, the full opening of the gate is 226cm.
- Access may be restricted due to closure of the College, please ring the bell of the Porters’ Lodge if you require access when the gate is closed. There is a bell linked to the Porters’ Lodge approximately 1.71m high or a Salto card reader measuring 1.71m high. Entrance gate at Porters’ Lodge/Magdalene Street is very heavy if closed, this pushes inwards.
- There is a step down into First Court adjacent to the Porters’ Lodge measuring 15cm; during office hours this step is typically covered by a ramp measuring 1m wide and 1.05m long, which can be moved in place by Porters if required.
- Following the path which is paved with slabs – this route will take you under the archway into First Court, across First Court, through the covered passage past the Hall into Second Court. Cross Second Court towards the Pepys Building, and with the Pepys Building directly in front of you, turn left and follow the gravelled path until you pass through a gated archway on the right, into the Fellows’ Garden. The entrance to the New Library is in this courtyard; follow the path around to the left.
What is the path or pavement condition?
Path is paved, some paving slabs are cracked and loose making them uneven. Cobbles border the path, some of these are loose. There is a short stretch of loose gravel in front of the Pepys Building, towards the gated archway.
Is the path flat or sloped? Is there a ramp?
Path is mostly flat with a slight slope/camber.
What does this path give access to?
Path gives access to facilities in First and Second Court - consisting of Fellows and Student accommodation, the Hall, Chapel, and Pepys Library.
Is the access path well-lit?
External access path through First and Second Court is not well lit; lighting level is higher at the Library entrance.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
No directional signage.
Outside Access to New Library from the Magdalene Street Main Entrance
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
New Library entrance is on the ground floor; level access.
If access is via an indoor corridor, what is the width of the corridor?
Access path is outdoors, however path includes 3 doorways: one between First Court and the Hall, one between the Hall and Second Court, and one through the gated archway to the left of the Pepys building.
There is a ramp leading to the doors between First Court and the Hall measuring 170cm wide and 120cm long. These doors are often held open on a latch; the width of the full doorway is 130cm. When the double doors are closed the width of one door is 65cm; these push inwards toward the Hall.
The doors between the Hall and Second Court are often held open on a latch; the width of the full doorway is 140cm. When the double doors are closed the width of one door is 70cm; these push inwards toward the Hall. Leading from this doorway to Second Court there is a ramp with 3 separate paths down; the narrowest section of the ramp measures 1m wide.
The gated archway in the wall to the left of the Pepys Building is 128cm wide.
Is it sufficiently wide enough to allow wheelchair users to pass (150cm+)?
Not necessarily, when both double doors of the passage outside the Hall are open the width of the full doorway is 130cm.
Are there any tight turns?
No, there are not any tight turns in the route to the Library.
What is the path or pavement condition?
Path is paved, some paving slabs are cracked and loose making them uneven. Cobbles border the path, some of these are loose. There is a short stretch of loose gravel in front of the Pepys Building, towards the gated archway.
Outside Access to New Library from the Belvedere Gate
How is the New Library accessed?
To access the New Library you will need to enter the Fellows Garden through the Belvedere Gate off Chesterton Road. Gate measures 56cm wide; Gate has a small step measuring 40cm high. If step-free access is required you should enter via the Magdalene Street Main Entrance or contact the Porters’ Lodge.
Entrance gate is rather heavy and opens towards the Fellows Garden.
Is a key card required for access?
Key card required to both enter and exit via Belvedere Gate. Salto card reader measures at 117cm high.
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
After passing through the Belvedere Gate the New Library entrance is on the ground floor; level access.
If access is via an indoor corridor, what is the width of the corridor?
Access path from the Belvedere Gate to the New Library entrance is outdoors.
Are there any tight turns?
No, there are not any tight turns in the route to the Library.
What is the path or pavement condition?
First half of path from the Belvedere Gate is loose gravel with grass on either side; there is a slight slope down to the Library. Upon reaching the corner of the New Library there is a 4cm lip onto a wide paved path. Cobbles border the path next to the New Library.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
No directional signage.
New Library Main Entrance
What does the New Library entrance consist of?
Automatic double doors; clear width of 2m. When only one door opens clear with is 1.2m.
Is a key card required for access?
Key card required. Salto card reader measures at 86cm high.
Is there a bell or buzzer?
Yes: buzzer available to contact the Library, Archives, and the Robert Cripps Gallery.
If the entrance is outdoors, is there any weather protection?
Entrance is covered.
Robert Cripps Gallery
What is the access path to the Gallery?
From Library Foyer use the door on the right side for access to the Gallery, Archives, and Social Space. (Key card required. Salto card reader measures at 96cm high.) Doorway measures 115cm wide.
What does the room entrance consist of?
Hallway measuring 2m wide; manual door opening outwards to access Gallery. The door is rather heavy.
What is the clear width of the Gallery door opening?
Door measures at 92cm wide and is opened manually outward.
Is a key card required for access?
Key card required. Salto card reader measures at 93cm high.
How is the Gallery accessed?
The Gallery is open for visiting hours during each exhibition period (advertised on the College website.) Upon arrival outside the New Library double doors visitors should buzz the Gallery. The Gallery invigilator will then come to the double doors and guide visitors through the two automatic doors as well as assisting with the Gallery’s manual door.
When a visitor has finished they should inform the invigilator, who will then lead them through the 3 doors out of the New Library.
What are the dimensions of the room?
Approximately 22.5m by 4.6m.
Is there step-free access within the room?
Yes.
Is there ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre?
Yes.
Is there a hearing assistance system available?
No.
Are there light controls accessible for visitors?
Lights are already switched on during opening hours. Light switches measure at 98cm high, and include a dimmer.
Does this area play background music?
No.
Where are the nearest public toilets?
Directly outside Gallery, 1 accessible and 2 unisex individual toilets available.
Is there is seating available for the visitor, and how is this seating used?
Yes, benches along the far wall; height of seat 44cm. Other chairs can be made available.
Are there designated spaces for wheelchair users?
There is no assigned designated space; however, space is available for wheelchair users.
Is any of the furniture fixed?
Yes, display cabinets (110cm high) fixed in centre of room.
Is there clear manoeuvring space between furniture or equipment?
Yes.
Ground Floor Gallery-Side Public Toilets (2 standard Unisex and 1 Access)
Where are these facilities located in the New Library building?
Directly outside Gallery, 1 accessible and 2 unisex individual toilets available.
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
No, toilets entrances are all level access on ground floor.
Is the access path well-lit?
Yes, good light levels throughout New Library. All toilets have automatic light sensors.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
No, only picture and written signage on the glass door leading to the toilets.
If access is via an indoor corridor, what is the width of the corridor?
Corridor leading to toilets measures 2m wide.
Is it sufficiently wide enough to allow wheelchair users to pass (150cm+)?
Yes.
Are there any tight turns?
No.
Are there any doors in the corridor?
Yes, manual door (90cm wide) to all three toilets.
What do the toilets entrances consist of?
Manual doors to access the both the Unisex and Access toilet stalls.
What is the clear width of each toilet stall door opening?
Each door width measures 110cm.
Which way does each toilet stall entrance door open? Are the doors manual or automatic? If manual, is the door heavy?
- Unisex handles at height of 90cm.
- Unisex doors open inwards manually and are relatively light to push open.
Access door opens outwards manually and is relatively light to pull open.
Is a key card required for access?
No.
Is there a sanitary disposal unit available in each stall?
- Yes, each toilet has a sanitary disposable bin.
- Each toilet stall has free sanitary products available.
Are there baby-changing facilities available?
No, none available.
What are the dimensions of each stall?
Each Unisex stall measures 90cm by 150cm. The Access stall measures 145cm by 200cm.
How are stalls locked?
All toilet doors close with a twist lock.
What is the height of the washbasin/counter?
- Unisex toilets sink/counter measures 80cm high.
- In the Access toilet the sink/counter measures 72cm high.
What is the sink type?
All toilets have sensor mix taps.
What is the height of the toilet?
- In the Access toilet the toilet is approximately 50cm high.
- In the Unisex toilets the toilets measure approximately 45cm high.
Is there a hand dryer or towel dispenser?
Hand dryer only.
What is the height of the wall-mounted hand dryer?
The dryer is approximately 100cm high.
What is the height of the flush buttons?
- In the Unisex toilets the automatic sensor flush is approximately 95cm high.
- In the Access toilet there is a push lever flush at 78cm high.
Is there a mirror?
Yes, all toilets have a mirror above the sink.
Access toilet: is there a grab rail on the door?
Yes.
Access toilet: is there a toilet roll holder? Can it be reached from seated on the toilet? What is the height of the roll holder above floor level?
Yes, toilet has a wall mounted toilet roll holder fitted at approximately 90cm high – this is easily reached from the toilet.
Access toilet: is there a shelf within the toilet stall?
No.
Access toilet: is there lateral transfer space?
There is lateral transfer space; if facing the toilet the space is to the left of you and is unobstructed.
Access toilet: are there wall-mounted grab rails available?
There are various left and right, vertical and horizontal handrails throughout. They vary in direction and position.
Access toilet: is the flush on the left or right facing the toilet pan?
Flush is to the right (if sitting on toilet.) It is a spatula flush.
Access toilet: Is there an emergency pull cord alarm in the toilet?
Yes, there is a red emergency cord, going from ceiling to floor.
Archives
What is the access path to the Archives?
From Library Foyer use the door on the right side for access to the Gallery, Archives, and Social Space. (Key card required. Salto card reader measures at 96cm high.) Doorway measures 115cm wide.
What does the room entrance consist of?
Hallway measuring 2m wide. Heavy manual door opening inwards to access Archives; as appointments are required for all Archives visits the Archivist will be available to assist with this manual door.
What is the clear width of the door opening?
Door measures 103cm wide; door handle 90cm high.
Is a key card required for access? How are the Archives accessed?
Key card and alarm fob required. Salto card reader measures at 93cm high. All Archive visitors must make an appointment with the College Archivist for access.
What are the dimensions of the room?
The Archives workroom measures 420cm by 623cm.
Is there step-free access within the room?
Yes.
Is there ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre?
Yes, dependant on layout of furniture.
Is there a hearing assistance system available?
No.
Are there light controls accessible for visitors?
Yes, light switches measure at 112cm high.
Is there drinking water available?
Yes, kitchenette in Social Space provides chilled drinking water.
Does this area play background music?
No.
Where are the nearest public toilets?
Down the hall from the Social Space directly across from Gallery, 1 accessible and 2 unisex individual toilets available.
Is there is seating available for the visitor, and how is this seating used?
Yes: chairs with arms (height of seat 45cm.) Other chairs can be made available.
Are there designated spaces for wheelchair users?
There is no assigned designated space; however, space is available for wheelchair users.
Is any of the furniture fixed?
Yes, central table is fixed (tabletop 75cm high.)
Is there clear manoeuvring space between furniture or equipment?
Yes.
Library Front Desk
What is the access path to the Front Desk?
From Library Foyer use the door on the left side for access to the Library. (Key card required. Salto card reader measures at 90cm high.) Doorway measures 115cm wide and opens outwards.
What is the height of the counter?
- Lower section measures 75cm high.
- Higher section measures 95cm high.
What is the height of the self-issue machine?
- Counter measures 75cm high.
- Middle of the self-issue touch screen measures 120cm high.
Does the self-issue machine have a large-font option?
Yes.
How does one exit the Library?
To exit the Library there is a Salto card reader to the left of the door. This card reader is 90cm high.
Ground Floor Library-Side Public Toilets (1 standard Unisex and 1 Access)
Where are these facilities located in the New Library building?
Toilets available on every floor of the Library. Ground Floor Toilets located through a door at the back of the Library ground floor, outside the back fire stairs.
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
No, toilets entrances are all level access on ground floor.
Is the access path well-lit?
Yes, good light levels throughout New Library. All toilets have automatic light sensors.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
Yes, there is directional signage within the Library.
Are there any tight turns?
No.
Are there any doors from the atrium?
Yes, manual door with lever handle (90cm wide) to both toilets. This door is relatively heavy and opens inwards.
What is the clear width of each toilet stall door opening?
- Access toilet door width measures 1m.
- Unisex toilet door width measures 90cm.
Which way does each toilet stall entrance door open? Are the doors manual or automatic? If manual, is the door heavy?
- Unisex handle at height of 90cm.
- Access handle at 1m.
- Unisex door opens inwards manually and is relatively light to push open.
- Access door opens outwards manually and is relatively light to pull open.
Is a key card required for access?
No.
Is there a sanitary disposal unit available in each stall?
- Yes, each toilet has a sanitary disposable bin.
- The Access toilet stall has free sanitary products available.
Are there baby-changing facilities available?
No, none available.
What are the dimensions of each stall?
The Unisex stall measures 105cm by 140cm. The Access stall measures 150cm by 210cm.
How are stalls locked?
All toilet doors close with a twist lock.
What is the height of the washbasin/counter?
- Unisex toilet sink/counter measures at 80cm high.
- In the Access toilet the sink/counter measures at 75cm high.
What is the sink type?
All toilets have sensor mix taps.
What is the height of the toilet?
- In the Access toilet the toilet is approximately 48cm high.
- In the Unisex toilet the toilet is approximately 45cm high.
Is there a hand dryer or towel dispenser?
Hand dryer only.
What is the height of the wall-mounted hand dryer?
The dryer is approximately 105cm high.
What is the height of the flush buttons?
- In the Unisex toilet the automatic sensor flush is approximately 95cm high.
- In the Access toilet there is a push lever flush at 78cm high.
Is there a mirror?
Yes, all toilets have a mirror above the sink.
Access toilet: is there a grab rail on the door?
Yes.
Access toilet: is there a toilet roll holder? Can it be reached from seated on the toilet? What is the height of the roll holder above floor level?
Yes, toilet has a wall mounted toilet roll holder fitted at approximately 90cm high – this is easily reached from the toilet.
Access toilet: is there a shelf within the toilet stall?
No.
Access toilet: is there lateral transfer space?
There is lateral transfer space; if facing the toilet the space is to the right of you and is unobstructed.
Access toilet: are there wall-mounted grab rails available?
There are various left and right, vertical and horizontal handrails throughout. They vary in direction and position.
Access toilet: is the flush on the left or right facing the toilet pan?
Flush is to the left (if sitting on toilet) It is a spatula flush.
Access toilet: is there an emergency pull cord alarm in the toilet?
Yes, there is a red emergency cord, going from ceiling to floor.
First Floor Library-Side Public Toilets (1 standard Unisex and 1 Access)
Where are these facilities located in the New Library building?
Toilets available on every floor of the Library. First Floor Toilets located through a door at the back of the atrium on the Library first floor, outside the back fire stairs.
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
No, toilets entrances are all level access on the first floor.
Is the access path well-lit?
Yes, good light levels throughout New Library. All toilets have automatic light sensors.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
Yes, there is directional signage within the Library.
If access is via an indoor corridor, what is the width of the corridor?
Access off the Library atrium.
Are there any tight turns?
No.
Are there any doors from the atrium?
Yes, manual door with lever handle (90cm wide) to both toilets.
What do the toilet stall entrances consist of?
Manual doors to access the both the Unisex and Access toilet stalls.
What is the clear width of each toilet stall door opening?
The width of the Unisex toilet door is 65cm; the width of the Access toilet door is 90cm.
Which way does each toilet stall entrance door open? Are the doors manual or automatic? If manual, is the door heavy?
- Unisex handles at height of 90cm.
- Unisex door open inwards manually and is relatively light to push open.
Access door opens outwards manually and is relatively light to pull open.
Is a key card required for access?
No.
Is there a sanitary disposal unit available in each stall?
- Yes, each toilet has a sanitary disposable bin; Access toilet also has a standard waste bin.
- The Access toilet stall has free sanitary products available.
Are there baby-changing facilities available?
No, none available.
What are the dimensions of each stall?
The Unisex stall measures 105cm by 145cm. The Access stall measures 145cm by 215cm.
How are stalls locked?
All toilet doors close with a twist lock.
What is the height of the washbasin/counter?
- Unisex toilet sink/counter measures at 80cm high.
- Access toilet the sink/counter measures at 72cm high.
What is the sink type?
All toilets have sensor mix taps.
What is the height of the toilet?
- In the Access toilet the toilet is 50cm high.
- In the Unisex toilet the toilet is 45cm high.
Is there a hand dryer or towel dispenser?
Hand dryer only.
What is the height of the wall-mounted hand dryer?
The dryer is approximately 100cm high.
What is the height of the flush buttons?
- In the Unisex toilet the automatic sensor flush is approximately 95cm high.
- In the Access toilet there is a push lever flush at 78cm high.
Is there a mirror?
Yes, all toilets have a mirror above the sink.
Access toilet: is there a grab rail on the door?
Yes.
Access toilet: is there a toilet roll holder? Can it be reached from seated on the toilet? What is the height of the roll holder above floor level?
Yes, toilet has a wall mounted toilet roll holder fitted at approximately 90cm high – this is easily reached from the toilet.
Access toilet: is there a shelf within the toilet stall?
No.
Access toilet: is there lateral transfer space?
There is lateral transfer space; if facing the toilet the space is to the left of you and is unobstructed.
Access toilet: are there wall-mounted grab rails available?
There are various left and right, vertical and horizontal handrails throughout. They vary in direction and position.
Access toilet: is the flush on the left or right facing the toilet pan?
Flush is to the right (if sitting on toilet) It is a spatula flush.
Access toilet: Is there an emergency pull cord alarm in the toilet?
Yes, there is a red emergency cord, going from ceiling to floor.
Second Floor Library-Side Public Toilets (1 standard Unisex and 1 Access)
Where are these facilities located in the New Library building?
Toilets available on every floor of the Library. Second Floor Toilets located through a door at the back of the atrium on the Library second floor, outside the back fire stairs.
Are there any stairs to the main entrance, or is it level access?
No, toilets entrances are all level access on the second floor.
Is the access path well-lit?
Yes, good light levels throughout New Library. All toilets have automatic light sensors.
Is there any directional or locational signage for this facility?
Yes, there is directional signage within the Library.
If access is via an indoor corridor, what is the width of the corridor?
Access off the Library atrium.
Are there any tight turns?
No.
Are there any doors from the atrium?
Yes, manual door with lever handle (90cm wide) to both toilets.
What do the toilet stall entrances consist of?
Manual doors to access the both the Unisex and Access toilet stalls.
What is the clear width of each toilet stall door opening?
- Access toilet door width measure 90cm.
- Unisex toilet door width measure 60cm.
Which way does each toilet stall entrance door open? Are the doors manual or automatic? If manual, is the door heavy?
- Unisex handles at height of 90cm.
- Access handle at 1m.
Unisex door opens inwards manually and are relatively light to push open.
Access door opens outwards manually and is relatively light to pull open.
Is a key card required for access?
No.
Is there a sanitary disposal unit available in each stall?
- Yes, each toilet has a sanitary disposable bin; Access toilet also has a standard waste bin.
- The Access toilet stall has free sanitary products available.
Are there baby-changing facilities available?
No, none available.
What are the dimensions of each stall?
The Unisex stall measures 110cm by 145cm. The Access stall measures 150cm by 215cm.
How are stalls locked?
All toilet doors close with a twist lock.
What is the height of the washbasin/counter?
- Unisex toilets sink/counter measures at 80cm high.
- In the Access toilet the sink/counter measures at 75cm high.
What is the sink type?
All toilets have sensor mix taps.
What is the height of the toilet?
- In the Access toilet the toilet is 50cm high.
- In the Unisex toilet the toilet is 45cm high.
Is there a hand dryer or towel dispenser?
Hand dryer only.
What is the height of the wall-mounted hand dryer?
The dryer is approximately 105cm high.
What is the height of the flush buttons?
- In the Unisex toilet the automatic sensor flush is approximately 95cm high.
- In the Access toilet there is a push lever flush at 78cm high.
Is there a mirror?
Yes, all toilets have a mirror above the sink.
Access toilet: is there a grab rail on the door?
Yes.
Access toilet: is there a toilet roll holder? Can it be reached from seated on the toilet? What is the height of the roll holder above floor level?
Yes, toilet has a wall mounted toilet roll holder fitted at approximately 90cm high – this is easily reached from the toilet.
Access toilet: is there a shelf within the toilet stall?
No.
Access toilet: is there lateral transfer space?
There is lateral transfer space; if facing the toilet the space is to the right of you and is unobstructed.
Access toilet: are there wall-mounted grab rails available?
There are various left and right, vertical and horizontal handrails throughout. They vary in direction and position.
Access toilet: is the flush on the left or right facing the toilet pan?
Flush is to the left (if sitting on toilet) It is a spatula flush.
Access toilet: is there an emergency pull cord alarm in the toilet?
Yes, there is a red emergency cord, going from ceiling to floor.
Back Fire Stairs
How are the back fire stairs accessed?
There is a door from the Ground Floor Library-Side Public Toilets. This is manual and relatively heavy, it measures 85cm wide.
What is the height of each step?
15cm.
How many steps are there to each floor?
24 steps to the 1st floor, 20 steps to the 2nd floor.
Are there any landings?
Small landing at each floor.
Are there handrails?
Yes, handrails on both sides.
Front Main Stairs
What is the height of each step?
Approximately 17.5cm.
How many steps are there to each floor?
33 steps to the 1st floor, 18 steps to the 2nd floor.
Are there any landings?
Yes, 1 landing on stairs to 1st floor and 1 landing on stairs to 2nd floor.
Are there handrails?
Yes, handrails on both sides.
New Library Lift
- There is a lift for general use inside the Library. It is located to the left of the Library entrance. This lift accesses Library floors 1 and 2.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630 kg.
- The lift is approximately 1m from the Library entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm, and the dimensions of the lift are 135cm by 105cm.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift has a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer, and tactile markings. It does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
- The controls for the lift are within 80cm high.
- The lighting level in the lift is high.
Refuge Points
Refuge points provide a safe space for people with disabilities, wheelchair users, pregnant women, or anyone who needs assistance to evacuate a building. Refuge areas have 30 minutes of fire-resisting separation to ensure the safety of individuals waiting for assistance.
Where are the fire evacuation refuge points?
There are 3 refuge points: one off the ground floor, 1st floor and the 2nd floor back fire stairs.
There is clear signage which leads to refuge areas, and doors to these areas should be easy to open, with specific pressure requirements to ensure accessibility.
What is in each refuge points?
Each refuge point is equipped with a communication system, such as a button, speaker, and microphone, allowing individuals to communicate with the Porters’ Lodge. There is an emergency evacuation chair at the Second-Floor refuge point which the Porters are trained to use.
New Library Communal Seating and Equipment
Is there is seating available, and how is this seating used?
Yes, seating is used for social and study use.
Are there designated spaces for wheelchair users?
There are no assigned designated spaces; however, space is available for wheelchair users.
Is any of the furniture fixed?
Some desks have electrical cabling, and are thus essentially fixed. Otherwise furniture is not fixed and does move depending on function/use.
Is there clear manoeuvring space between furniture or equipment?
Yes, but dependant on furniture layout.
What type of chairs are available?
- Office chairs (seat 45cm high).
- Chairs with arms (seat 43cm high).
- Other chairs can be made available.
Is there any other furniture?
Study tables (height of 70cm high).
Contact the Accommodation Coordinator
Please contact the Accommodation Coordinator if you have any accommodation questions or queries. Or visit Magdalene Accomodation.
ACCOMMODATION COORDINATOR
Miss Susannah Roberts
CALL
01223 332122