We aim to make the library and its resources as accessible as possible to all staff, students and visitors. Where the age of the building causes issues, we hope to overcome these by providing additional services or adjustments. We offer a wide range of services which can be tailored to your specific needs.
Some of our services are available to visitors, but some are restricted to students and staff. We are happy to assist you, whether or not you are in receipt of DSA, or have declared a disability to ASDAC. We don't charge any extra fees for our services.
Any member of staff will be happy to assist you, but more complex queries may need to be referred to your faculty librarian if you need a private discussion. For more general enquiries about accessing our additional services email library@port.ac.uk.
Your accessible library
We believe that everyone is different and that making our services and spaces as inclusive as possible benefits everyone. For anyone with specific learning needs, we offer a range of additional services to ensure you can enjoy the same quality of study experience as everyone else.
Wheeled baskets and lifts to all floors make moving printed books much easier to move around the library. If you are pressed for time, struggle to find books on the shelves, or simply don't want to wander around the Library, the Click & Collect service makes it easier to read all the books you need. Reserve any books you want through the Library Catalogue, and we will email you when they are available from the collection point in the atrium.
If you need a book in a hurry, our friendly staff can also fetch books for you during staffed hours. Wherever possible, we supply electronic versions of everything listed as essential reading on your reading lists and our electronic resources are almost all accessible, and screen reader compatible, so you can use a screen reader to listen to any eresources rather than read.
Anyone who finds a standard computer setup uncomfortable is welcome to email us to book one of our accessible computers, with adjustable height desks, ergonomic chairs and additional accessibility software. If you are studying at a distance or don't want to come into the Library we can email you scans of book chapters and journal articles or post entire books to you. Simply complete a request form on the Postal Loans Library webpage and we'll do the rest.
While some people find the energy and bustle of the Library environment to be stimulating, others find noise and motion distracting. If you enjoy being around other people but find noise distracting, ask for free sound-cancelling earplugs at the Reception Desk. Our drop-in meeting pods and bookable group study rooms also reduce incoming and outgoing sounds.
The Individual Study Zone on the second floor offers a quiet space, free from talking, and with desk dividers that reduce visual distractions. Arriving earlier in the day helps ensure the library is quiet when you arrive, so you can gather everything you need and retreat to the silent zone in peace. Our individual study pods allow you to close the door and the outside world and enjoy a splendid isolation from all distractions with personal ventilation and adjustable lighting.
If you have any difficulty using print materials, please let your Faculty Librarian know as soon as possible. You can find your Faculty Librarian’s contact details on your subject pages on the Library website or email us and we will put you in touch. Your Faculty Librarian will discuss your needs and how we can help and supply materials in alternative formats, such as audio books through the RNIB Bookshare. This can all take time to set up, so the sooner you make contact and let us know your particular needs, the sooner we can work with you to make sure they are met.
We hope you will enjoy using the University Library. If you would like to know more about any Library facilities and services, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.