Main Navigation

Home > The University > Services and facilities > Information Services and Systems > Library > Services for Disabled Customers

Services for Disabled Customers

Information Services and Systems at Swansea University aims to provide equal access to resources for all our customers. This web page describes the services available in the library for disabled customers who require extra library support. Please note that most of these services require at least 24 hours notice (not including weekends, Bank Holidays or other library closed days). We appreciate your understanding in this.

To arrange any of these you can:

Email us: iss-disability@swansea.ac.uk
Phone us: 01792 295697
Visit the Information Desk in the Library & Information Centre (LIC) on the Singleton campus

Services for Disabled Customers

Welcome Meeting

Available on appointment. We can provide information on library facilities and services and learn how we can best support you. Normally this meeting will take place in the library so we can show you round but we can also chat by phone or web meeting if required. We aim to contact all students referred to us but you can also email us to arrange a meeting.

Book Fetching Service (24 hours' notice)

If you send us a list of up to 10 books, we will fetch them from the shelves and hold them at the Issue Desk for collection. Please send lists to iss-disability@swansea.ac.uk - we will then contact you when they are ready for collection or to advise if any are unavailable. Please note that we require at least 24 hours notice (not including weekends or Bank Holidays) for this service.

Photocopying Service (24 hours' notice)

Please send lists of items and any special formatting requirements to iss-disability@swansea.ac.uk. Please note that we require at least 24 hours notice (not including weekends or Bank Holidays) for this service. Up to 5 items can be photocopied per request - if you require additional items, please contact us to discuss this and allow extra time.

Postal Loans

This service is only available to students who are physically unable to come into the library and have this on their needs assessment. Please send book details to iss-disability@swansea.ac.uk. For other students, the DALLAS service provides a similar service (fees apply).

Subject-specific research skills training

Available on appointment: a one hour training session from your Subject Librarian on using e-resources and research skills for your subject. Contact iss-disability@swansea.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

Use of the Visually Impaired Resources Room

A dedicated study space is available on Level 2 of the LIC where students and their helpers can work any time the library is open. Students must have their card activated to enable access to the room. Visit the Issue Desk in the LIC to get your card activated.

Lockers

Lockers for disabled customers are available in the Study Hall for storage. Visit the Issue Desk in the LIC with the form from the Disability Office to get a locker assigned.

Specialist Equipment for Loan

The following equipment is available for loan from the Issue Desk in the LIC:

Laptops
Digital Voice Recorders
Supernova USB pens
Trackerball mice
Infra red hearing loops
Flipcams

You will need your library card and a form completed by the Disability Office to get extended loans on a laptop and Digital Voice Recorder and will be required to complete a Loan Equipment Agreement.

Specialist Software

Open access computers in the library are currently installed with the following software:

Inspiration v 8.0b (Mind Mapping tool)
ClaroRead plus 2008 (Reading/Literacy tool)*
Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 (voice recognition tool)
textHELP Read & Write GOLD 8.1 (Literacy tool)*
JAWS for windows (Screen Reader software)
Supernova v9.03 (Screen Reader software)
MindJet MindManager 8

Training is also arranged for students who require specialist software following their needs assessment.

Library Membership for Helpers

Helpers for disabled customers are allowed to have their own borrowing facilities in the library. Please visit the Issue Desk in the Library & Information Centre to set this up.

The South Wales Miners Library

The South Wales Miners Library on the Hendrefoelan campus has wheelchair access to the ground floor only. Staff will be happy to fetch items from the upper floors.