English Faculty Library for disabled readers

Two long rows of desks

Accessibility

The English Faculty Library is in the St. Cross Building, on the corner of St. Cross Road and Manor Road.

Car parking on site is very limited and cannot be pre-booked. Visitors arriving by car should make use of Oxford's Park & Ride facilities. However, a parking space for visitors with disabilities is available.

Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome.

The entrance and main reading room of the library are on the first floor of the St Cross Building, with an additional upper gallery area which can be reached by lift. There is level access throughout.

Visit the University Access Guide for more detailed accessibility information about the St Cross Building and this library.

Emergencies

The upper floor of the library is accessible via a lift. This lift cannot be used during a fire evacuation. Readers who are unable to evacuate by stairs should discuss an evacuation plan with the library staff before accessing the upper floor. Desk staff are happy to fetch books from other floors for readers who would prefer to stay on the ground floor. 

Services and support

We are committed to assisting readers with disabilities or health conditions (long or short-term) in any way we can. This includes fetching books from shelves and help in using the online catalogues or electronic resources.

Library staff are happy to allow college helpers to borrow books for readers who are unable to come to the library. Given prior notice, library staff may be able to locate books and put them aside for the reader.

Other services and facilities we offer include:

  • step-free access (via lift)
  • hearing loops (fixed at enquiry desk)
  • adjustable furniture  
  • extended loan periods and unlimited renewals.
  • large print (Arial font size 18 on pale yellow paper) copies of our information leaflets (leaflets can also be transcribed into Braille on request)
  • food and drink may be consumed in the library for medical reasons and water is available from the office
  • a hearing loop system has been installed at the issue desk.

We also have the following accessibility equipment for use in the library:

  • two desks adjustable to standing height
  • one wheelchair-height adjustable desk with computer
  • daylight lamp
  • footstools
  • book rests
  • coloured acetate sheets
  • reading rulers
  • ear plugs  

Find out more about the services and support for disabled readers available from the Bodleian Libraries, or contact the Reader Services Librarian at this library to discuss ways in which we can help you during your time in Oxford.