Accessibility

Helping you use and enjoy the Library

At the Whipple Library, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible space for all our users. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us, or to arrange a one-to-one meeting to discuss how we might best meet your needs. You may find it useful to reach out to the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC), but it is not a requirement to be registered with them for us to discuss how the Whipple Library team can support you.

There is a dedicated Libraries Accessibility Team who operate across all Cambridge Libraries. They can assist with any queries relating to accessing resources and spaces. The Accessibility and Disability LibGuide provides further information on accessible reading formats, assistive technologies, and other resources and training available in Cambridge.

Accessing the Library's spaces

Step-free access is available through the Whipple Museum's group entrance (///free.valve.marked on what3words), via the gate to the New Museums Site on Bene't St (///local.toward.lofts on what3words). This entrance is available Monday–Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm. Please contact us in advance so we can direct you as necessary.

Upon entering the Whipple Museum, use the lift to navigate to Level 1. Here, enter the room preceding the Special Exhibition Gallery, where you will find a link door to the left, which leads to the Old Library. A member of staff will need to come and open the door for you. Advance notice of your arrival will help us make sure this route is available. Alternatively, the contact number for the Library desk (01223 334547) is displayed on the door, so you can call for assistance.

For more information and images, visit the Library's AccessAble page.

Inside the Library, there is a lift that serves all four levels. There is no lock or code on the lift; anyone can use it. The nearest accessible toilet is on the ground floor of the Whipple Museum. Staff will need to be present to assist with opening the link door back into the Museum. All toilets in the Department building, Library, and Museum are gender-neutral.

Accessing the Library's resources

Many of our resources are available electronically. You can search for e-books and e-journals using iDiscover. For more information, see our page for accessing electronic resources. Key reading list texts not available electronically may also be scanned and uploaded to Moodle.

The space between stacks is 100cm in the main library, and 70cm in the Old Library. There are kick-stools available on each floor. Some books are on high shelves. Library staff are able to fetch books if needed.

Loan periods are typically 28 days for open shelf material, and 1 day for reserve books. Non-reserve books will auto-renew. Books can also be renewed online through your Library account, or you can ask Library staff to renew books for you.