Inclusive Library support
We aim to make our facilities inclusive for all library users. Please let us know if you notice something we could improve.
Popular pages on the Library website
Accessibility - Help in the library
We recommend discussing your needs with the Disability Inclusion Service. They will create a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) that can be used University-wide. Information about your disability will only be shared if we are given your express permission to do so. Click on the buttons below to explore the different support the Library provides.
Library collections
Book collection
We offer a Click and Collect service for all library users. You can request print books and AV items by logging in to Library Search and choosing “request”. Once ready, the items can be picked up at Allerton Learning Space, Clifford Whitworth or Media City Library by you or a nominated person. If you require somebody else to collect your item(s) on your behalf please email library@salford.ac.uk
Extended loans
All items will automatically renew up to 13 weeks or until requested by another library patron. For students with reasonable adjustment plans in place this means that your loans will renew every two weeks rather than every week. Requested items will be held on our reservation shelves for two weeks.
RNIB Bookshare
RNIB Bookshare supports those who are unable to access print by providing a vast collection of accessible textbooks. This is a free service for visually impaired students. Queries about this service should be sent to Library-Readinglists@salford.ac.uk.
Accessible versions of essential Reading List items
Students with Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) requiring texts in alternative formats should contact their Academic Support Librarian with details of the item(s) and Reading List(s). The Library will attempt to source the resource in the required format, such as an electronic copy of resource if available, or scan the item or provide the material through RNIB Bookshare.
Assistive technology and software
At the University you can access a range of assistive technology, accessibility tools and software packages designed to support you to access the services and information you need and to support you in your studies.
OrCam Learn
Text to speech reading assistance device. Includes text to speech OCR reading capabilities and additional features designed specifically for students with reading challenges. This can be borrowed from the Enquiry Desk during staffed hours in the Clifford Whitworth Library as a 24-hour loan.
Relay UK
Relay UK brings relay services for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired people. Digital IT is registered with Relay UK. Staff are available to help with queries during core hours. A voicemail service runs at other times.
Software
Inspiration, My Study Bar and Adobe Acrobat Reader are available at most sites. Disability Inclusion Services provide further software and with Microsoft 365, you can connect to your resources anytime, anywhere and from any device.
Inspiration
This ‘mind mapping’ software is available on PCs in the accessible study rooms. For more details about accessible study rooms see the Library Spaces section below. It can display information and ideas visually using webs, maps, and diagrams. Inspiration can also reformat the visual information into an index or list in Word, enabling you to see your ideas as an outline of a report or an essay.
My Study Bar (MSB)
Software applications designed to provide study skills support for students in their academic work. The MSB icon is on desktop PCs in the Library. My Study Bar consists of: Planning, Reading, Writing, Vision, Voice, and Help. A general guide to MSB is available.
Microsoft Accessibility Tools
Magnifier, Narrator or On-Screen Keyboard are useful tools when using Microsoft Office applications. They are available to everyone and are on all Microsoft laptops and PCS, so you will be able to access them on all Library desktop PCs and laptops. To use these tools, click the 'Start' icon, go to 'All Programs', and select the tool you want from 'Accessories'.
Adobe Acrobat Reader - Have your PDF files read aloud to you
This feature is available to everyone via Adobe Acrobat Reader and will read the text content of PDFs out loud. Acrobat Reader can read PDF aloud on any device, so you can listen to the content of a PDF from anywhere. Read guidance on this feature.
A roaming profile is useful if you need to use multiple software systems. These are available as recommendations through Student Support Plans/ Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs). If you think you would benefit from this service, please contact Digital IT.
Library spaces
Study spaces (for chairs, desks, study rooms)
Ergonomic chair loans
We have ergonomic chairs that students can borrow for 24 hours. Please visit the Clifford Whitworth Enquiry Desk during staffed hours if you would like to borrow a chair.
Adjustable desks
| Clifford Whitworth | |
| Ground floor |
|
| First Floor |
|
| Second Floor | Accessible room 21 |
| Allerton | |
| Level 0 | Accessible room B'hive 01 |
| Level 1 | Near Lapsafe |
| Level 2 | Near entrance |
| Level 4 | PC suite |
| Media City Library | |
| Third Floor | Near printer |
Accessible study rooms
Clifford Whitworth Library and Allerton Learning Space have accessible study rooms. These can be requested by students and signed off by Library staff.
- Clifford Whitworth accessible study room 4 on the ground floor has Office 365, MyStudyBar, Adobe ReadAloud and Inspiration software as well as a power-assisted door and an adjustable desk.
- Clifford Whitworth accessible study room 21 on the second floor has Office 365, MyStudyBar, Adobe ReadAloud and Inspiration software as well as a power-assisted door and an adjustable desk.
- Allerton Learning Space accessible study room in the B'hive on Level 1 has Office 365, MyStudyBar, Adobe ReadAloud and Inspiration software as well as an adjustable desk.
- The Cube accessible study room in the Lady Hale Building.
Services (toilets, locker loans, accessible printers)
Accessible toilets
Clifford Whitworth: Accessible toilets are available on all floors.
Allerton Learning Space: The accessible toilet is on the main corridor outside the entrance.
Media City: Accessible toilets are available on all floors.
Lady Hale/The Cube: Accessible toilets are available on all floors.
Locker loans
A number of student lockers are available at Clifford Whitworth Library for those with Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) that require one. The lockers are large enough to store several books, so you won't have to carry them around. Please ask staff at the Enquiry Desk during staffed hours if you would like to use a locker.
Accessible Printers/Photocopiers/Scanners
All University printers are accessible, fitted with an adjustable control panel and screen enlargement option. Read our guidance on how to use the printers.
Access (parking, library site access)
Disabled parking
Clifford Whitworth Library
The closest accessible parking spaces are:
- Three spaces outside the front entrance to the Maxwell Building. Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Five designated accessible parking spaces outside University House. Parking is free for Blue Badge Holders and is 200 m (approx.) from The Library.
Allerton Learning Space
- There are eight designated accessible parking spaces in the park next to the building.
- The main entrance is 15 m (approx.) from the car park.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
The Library at MediaCityUK
- There is no University owned car parking. Parking is available at The Lowry car park which has lifts.
- The Lowry's multi-storey car park has designated parking on all eight floors. Lifts are available.
- Blue Badge holders can park free of charge during trading hours for four hours. Normal parking rates will apply after four hours.
Library site access
Clifford Whitworth
- The lift to all floors is located right from the entrance past the stairwells and at the rear of the building.
- Open 24/7
- Staffed 8am - 9pm
- Library visitors need their library ID card for access between 5pm and 8am. There is a ramp available at the entrance.
Lady Hale Cube
- The lift to all floors is located on the left as you enter the building
- Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
- Closed weekends
Allerton Learning Space
- Located on Level 1, the Learning Space is accessed via the lift located left as you enter via the main entrance.
- The lift to Learning Space Levels 0 to 4 is accessed via the ramp facing the entrance to the Learning Space
- Monday 8am - 7:30pm
- Tuesday - Friday 8am - 6pm
- Closed weekends
- Staffed Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
MediaCity Library
- Located on Level 3 the lifts are located right from the entrance.
- Monday to Saturday 7am - 10pm
- Closed Sunday
- Staffed Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm with no staffing on Saturdays