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Accessibility in the Library

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

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.

Assistive technology and software
Library collections
Library spaces

Assistive technology and software

Assistive and supportive technology is for anyone who wants to tailor their digital environment to better suit their needs and preferences. A wide variety of users can benefit, including:

  • People with specific conditions.
  • People with low vision.
  • People with hearing loss.
  • Anyone who wants to work more efficiently.

The supportive and assistive technology tools and apps available to you at the University of Salford can support with:

  • Reading, writing and listening.
  • Organisation and focus.
  • Setting up your device.
  • Accessing Blackboard information and documents in alternative formats.
  • Translation.

Discover more at the Assistive Technology support page.

Other support

OrCam Learn  – reading and learning support

OrCam Learn is an innovative assistive technology designed to help with reading and learning. It can:

  • Read text aloud from books, printed materials, or screens.
  • Support comprehension by allowing you to listen whilst reading.
  • Enhance accessibility for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences by supporting information processing through dual input of reading and listening.

This device is portable and easy to use, making it ideal for study sessions, lectures, and independent learning.

Need it for your studies?

You can borrow an OrCam Learn Basic from the Clifford Whitworth Library Desk on 24-hour loan. Ask a staff member for more information.

Adobe Acrobat Reader – navigate PDF documents more easily

This app has its own AI Assistant to help you navigate, summarise and explore PDF documents.

As a student you can download Acrobat Reader to your device from Student Software Portal. Once you have logged in search for ‘Acrobat Reader’.

Are you a member of staff? Download Acrobat Reader to your device from the University’s AppsAnywhere system.

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.

Accessibility features in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has accessibility tools designed to support reading, writing, listening, and staying organised. From Immersive Reader and Dictation to focus tools and Copilot GenAI for enhanced writing support, these features can make studying and working more inclusive and productive.

To learn how to set up and use these tools, explore our new guides:

Assistive Software Apps

In addition to the accessibility tools built into Microsoft 365, the University has access to a range of assistive software apps that you can download to your device and are designed to support reading, writing, studying, and creating accessible content.

Available apps include:

  • AutoCorrect – Helps you stay focused by correcting spelling as you write.
  • ClaroRead – Converts text to speech, speech to text, scans documents into editable text, and works as a screen reader.
  • Equatio – Makes creating digital, accessible maths easy with a powerful equation editor.
  • MindView – Builds visual mind maps and converts them into structured documents.
  • Read&Write – Supports reading, writing, studying, and spelling, plus offers voice notes for audio feedback.

If you are a student: download the apps you need from the University's student software portal.

If you are a member of Staff: access AppsAnywhere via the desktop on your University device to download the apps you need.

To find out more read our guide: Assistive Tech Apps available at the University of Salford. 

Discover the accessibility features of our Ebooks
Discover the accessibility features of some common web browsers
Discover software that can help with your reading and writing

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 MediaCity Library by you or a nominated person. If you require somebody else to collect your item(s) on your behalf please email askus@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 request 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.

 

 

 

Library Spaces

Study spaces (for chairs, desks, study rooms, lights)

Ergonomic chairs

Ergonomic chairs can be found in the accessible study rooms.

Adjustable desks

Clifford Whitworth  
Ground floor
  • Accessible room 4
  • PC Suite
  • Near LEARN sign
First Floor
  • Window area
  • Pavillion
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
MediaCity 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.

Lights

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.

MediaCity: 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. Students with RAPs in place can loan a locker for up to four weeks.

Accessible Printers/Photocopiers/Scanners

Coloured paper is available for students with visual needs. Speak to a member of staff in the library.

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 MediaCity
  • 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 8:00 - 21:00
  • Library visitors need their library ID card for access between 17:00 and 8:00. 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 9:00 - 17:00
  • 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 8:00 - 19:30
  • Tuesday - Friday 8:00 - 18:00
  • Closed weekends
  • Staffed Monday to Friday 9:00 - 17:00
MediaCity Library
  • Located on Level 3 the lifts are located right from the entrance.
  • Monday to Saturday 7:00 - 22:00
  • Closed Sunday
  • Staffed Monday to Friday 9:00 - 17:00 with no staffing on Saturdays