The Libraries Accessibility Service
The Libraries Accessibility Service, made up of Patrick Dowson (Manager) and Lindsay Jones (Coordinator) is happy to work with staff to plan accessible services, improve accessibility and provide support to individual library users. If you would like to discuss any topic related to accessibility or library provision for disabled users, you are most welcome to email us.
Accessibility and Inclusivity toolkit
The Accessibility and Inclusivity: Cambridge libraries toolkit contains advice, guidance and content designed to enable and support library staff at the University of Cambridge in developing and delivering services that are as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre
The Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) webpages provide guidance and ADRC advisor contact details.
Copying
Section 31 of the UK's Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) details exceptions to copyright relating to disabled persons: copies for personal use. This enables either the disabled person or a person acting on their behalf (e.g. a librarian) to make an accessible copy of a work without infringing copyright, so long as:
a) the disabled person has lawful access to a copy of the whole or part of the work; and
b) the person's disability prevents the person from enjoying the work to the same degree as a person who does not have that disability
Alternative formats
To request alternate formats of material held in the libraries, please put library users in touch with the Libraries Accessibility Service via disability@lib.cam.ac.uk.
If you wish, you can create an accessible alternate format (including PDF, Word and MP3) of a digital document on behalf of a library user using SensusAccess.
Some members of library staff have an account for RNIB Bookshare. With a Bookshare account you can download or assign accessible books to registered students, or request books from participating publishers. If you think you would benefit from having a Bookshare account, please contact disability@lib.cam.ac.uk.
Contact
If you would like to discuss any topic related to library provision for disabled users, you are most welcome to email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk.
