Accessibility and our library

We are constantly trying to improve, so if there is something we can help you with, or for information on step-free access, then please get in touch. All our libraries have accessible toilets.

Find books, journals and articles

Our Library Search has screen content, browser titles, and buttons which are optimised for screen readers. For the best experience searching Library Search, open your screen reader before opening your web browser and use these compatable screen readers paired with the named operating systems and browsers:

• Compatable screen reader list

Most databases and browsers have inbuilt accessibility settings that can be switched on.

eBooks

Most of our eBooks are supplied by Proquest Ebook Central. You will find them using Library Search. To change the accessibility settings within Ebook Central:

• Open eBook Central
• Go to Settings and select Profile

Create your own profile including options to:

• Enable Accessibility Mode
• Use OpenDyslexic typeface

PDF documents

Some information resources are provided as PDF documents. This Adobe page explains how to use accessibility features within Adobe Acrobat Reader including changing background colour and text.

Spell checker

All browsers (Edge, Google chrome, Safari, Firefox) have spell check functionality. You can switch this on in your browser settings. This should enable spell check functionality on services such as our Library Webchat.

All our libraries have the following assistive equipment:

• Hand held magnifiers
• Magnifying sheets
• Line readers
• Large print keyboard
• Wireless quiet keyboard
• USB numeric keypad
• Ergonomic mouse
• Gel wrist keyboard support
• Monitor risers
• Headphones
• Noise cancelling headphones
• Colour reading overlays and sheets
• Coloured computer screen overlays
• Reading pen (which can scan entire lines of text, read it aloud and allow selected words to be viewed in large type)
• 360 degree manual height adjustable PC table (Lower Ground Floor)
• Manual height adjustable desk (Quiet Study Area on Mezzanine Floor)

Our services include:

• Postal loans
• Training sessions delivered by Zoom or in our libraries

This is free assistive software to help learners with literacy difficulties including dyslexia. It only works on Windows. Free to download, it can be used from a USB stick or from your desktop. 

Join our Peer support service for members with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity. You may find our neurodiversity reading list useful.

Visit the Royal College of Nursing's page on Accessibility and to read the accessibility statement.