Library staff work with readers who encounter barriers to accessing our materials to find suitable adjustments. We welcome suggestions about how we can enable all readers to make the most of the library.
Disabled students can contact the Bodleian Disability Librarian (email disability.librarian@bodleian.ox.ac.uk) or the Disability Advisory Service (ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/disability) to develop a personalised student support plan (SSP), which might include:
Extended loans
We usually put an extended loan period in place automatically when the Disability Librarian informs us of this requirement.
Proxy borrowing
Students can nominate another member of the college or a support worker to borrow books on their behalf.
Book delivery
Books can be delivered to students who require it, either to the Lower Floor, the Porters' Lodge, or to student rooms for those who live on site. Requests are made by email or another method agreed with the student.
Personalised induction
All students receive a library induction when they join the college, but upon request we can provide an individual induction (including step-free, or using a hearing loop).
Get in touch if you have any questions about our facilities.
Catalogue
The library catalogue is available online at solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk, allowing readers who face barriers to visit the library to choose materials for proxy borrowing or delivery.
Parking
There are parking spaces on the college site; these must be booked in advance through the permit system.
Physical access
A stair lift is available to the Middle Floor/Main Entrance, which is accessed through a powered door. Any users who wish to use this lift can be supplied with a key, or else Library staff can facilitate access on an individual basis.
Step-free access to the Lower Floor is available via a powered door. Desks can be reserved for users upon request, including height-adjustable desks.
The Upper Floor is inaccessible to wheelchair users and those unable to use the stairs. Staff are happy to fetch resources or to set up proxy borrowing - let us know how you would prefer us to offer access.
Some shelves require a stool or are located on rolling shelving
Assistance animals
Assistance animals are always admitted with readers.
Toilets
There are no toilets within the library, but toilets are available in an adjacent building where there are several standard gendered toilets and an accessible all-gender toilet.
Hearing support
To use our portable hearing loop, ask a member of staff.
Furniture
Height-adjustable chairs are available throughout the downstairs floor, as well as two electronic height-adjustable desks. There is also a small desk with limited manual adjustability (angle and height).
Study aids
We have a range of visual, sensory and ergonomic equipment, free to use within the library (see list to the right).
Located outside the staff offices, our Study Skills shelves hold a collection of study aids as well as books covering study skills and life skills. To suggest new equipment, email Sally (assistant.librarian@lmh.ox.ac.uk), speak to us in the library offices, or write on the suggestions sheet outside the main entrance.
Visual aids
Reading rulers
A4 and A5 coloured overlays
Bar magnifier (2x magnification)
Daylight lamp
Sensory
Noise reduction headphones
Ergonomic
Book rests
Laptop stands
Writing slope
Contact library staff to discuss how we can support your access to the library:
By phone or email:
Jamie Fishwick-Ford
(Librarian, they/them)
(01865) 274361
Sally Hamer
(Assistant Librarian, she/her)
assistant.librarian@lmh.ox.ac.uk
(01865) 274236
In person:
Our offices are located on the middle floor of Lady Margaret Hall Library, Norham Gardens, Oxford, OX2 6QA