Disability support
NTU Libraries are committed to providing accessible, inclusive spaces and services to support your studies. Whether you need specialist equipment, quiet spaces, or wellbeing resources, we are here to help. Find out what support is available to you.
On this page
Using the Library spaces
If you have any questions about using the Library, contact us at libinfodirect@ntu.ac.uk or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2175.
Explore the Library
Use our online 360 tours to familiarise yourself with the Library spaces before you arrive.
Find your perfect spot using our Sensory Maps
The Sensory Maps will help you choose the perfect place to work, study, or relax:
Choosing a Study Zone that suits your needs
We use a three-zone colour system so you can choose the study environment that suits you best. Our zones include:
- Green Zone – Group Study: Designed for discussion and collaboration. Open-plan areas with study tables, PCs, and power sockets are available in all four libraries.
- Amber Zone – Quiet Study: Ideal for individual work with the option for brief, quiet conversations. Tables, PCs, and some power sockets are provided.
- Red Zone – Silent Study: For distraction-free, silent study. Study tables (some with PCs and power sockets) are available.
You can also book a Group Study Room or Group Study Table for up to two hours per day via our online booking service.
Sensory and Wellbeing rooms
Find your focus in our sensory and wellbeing rooms — peaceful spaces designed to help you study and unwind. We currently offer:
- The Glow Sensory Room – A calming space to reset, with sensory lighting, comfy chairs, weighted blankets, and fidget toys.
- The Rest Nest (Boots Library) – A wellbeing room for relaxation and recharging.
- Wellbeing Sensory Bags – Available at all Libraries.
Accessible furniture options
Height-adjustable desks are available in every library to support wheelchair users and any other student who may need adjustable furniture.
Use our online booking system to book a height-adjustable desk.
Study support and accessing resources
Studying can be both exciting and challenging. The Library offers a wide range of support to help you succeed:
- Academic writing and referencing
- Finding and evaluating information
- Technology and software support
- Maths and statistics
- Study skills
- Using Library resources and services
How to access these services:
- Book a one-to-one Academic Skills Appointment (9 am – 7 pm, Monday to Friday).
- Access online resources anytime via the ASK Hub on NOW.
Academic resources and materials
Millions of academic resources are available through Library OneSearch.
- Library books automatically renew until the end of your course (unless requested by another user).
- You’ll receive email notifications if an item cannot be renewed.
- Reserve up to 10 items online to collect when ready.
Online accessibility
Our dedicated accessible page on Library One Search offers information about which applications, resources, and services are available.
Accessibility aids
Accessibility aids are available for use in all three libraries. Please ask at the Information Desk if you would like to use:
- Backrests and chair supports
- Trackerball mice
- Wrist rests
- Whale mice
- Coloured overlays
Most accessibility tools are freely available within Office 365. NVDA and Read&Write are both available via the NTU software hub which can be accessed from any NTU PC or laptop.
Please ask at the Information Desk if you need any support using this software.
There are a wide range of accessibility tools available within Office 365. Accessibility tools can help make studying and working more inclusive by supporting a wide range of needs. Whether you want to:
- Make text easier to read,
- Dictate documents using your voice,
- Add captions to meetings,
- Increase screen magnification,
- Create accessible content for others,
These guides will show you how to get started.
We have created a suite of guides all in one place to help you discover the features available and learn how they can help you create a more accessible and inclusive digital environment. You will need your NTU log-in details to access the guides.
Accessing the library facilities
We have a range of facilities for disabled people at each of our libraries including lifts, parking arrangements and additional support.
Access and orientation
- Accessible entrance at Goldsmith Street/Shakespeare Street with power-assisted doors
- Lift access from street level to Level 0
- Three lifts available; key required for access to Djanogly Lecture Theatre (via Student Support Services)
- Accessible toilets on all floors
Using lifts
The building is served by three lifts. A key is required to access the Djanogly Lecture Theatre from the lifts in the Goldsmith Street entrance area. Student Support Services will advise if you are eligible for a key.
Access and orientation
- Accessible front entrance
- Two levels, with lift access to Level 1
- Accessible toilet
Access and orientation
- Single-level layout with Smartcard entry at the main door
- Accessible toilet
Access and orientation
- Two-level building with Smartcard entry at both Level 0 and Level 1
- Lift access between floors
- Accessible toilet
Enhanced Services
A range of enhanced library services are available for disabled students. To access these you will first need to make an appointment with a Student Support Services adviser. They will assess which of our enhanced library services best meet your needs and notify us of your requirements. We will then contact you to confirm when things have been set up for you and arrange any necessary appointments.
If you are a disabled member of NTU staff, please let us know and we can discuss which of our enhanced library services may be helpful for you.
Examples of enhanced library services include:
The Study Helper is designed to help supercharge your study time by providing you with free and accessible software to help develop your academic skills. Study Helper includes tools for note-taking, time management, referencing, study focus and reading software, as well as video demos for how to get started. You can access Study Helper through logging into NOW.
- Borrow one-week loans for two weeks.
- Extended collection period for reservations.
If you are having difficulties with specific items, please ask Library staff for help. We may be able to reserve other copies or recommend alternative resources for you.
You may nominate a proxy borrower, that is, a friend or support worker of your choice who can borrow and collect library material on your behalf. You need to notify us of the contact details of your proxy, and we will then hold their details on your library record. You can do this by email.
If you have a proxy borrower, you will still be the main library card-holder and you will remain responsible for any materials borrowed by your proxy and for any fines incurred.
You may be advised to register for our postal loans service. We will post items to your home address and we will cover the cost of both the outward and return postal charges.
There are also height adjustable desks in some of our libraries follow this link https://librarybookings.ntu.ac.uk/r/new and it will take you to our space booking portal. You can choose your preferred location, the floor you wish to use and then select as category ‘height adjustable tables’. You can use the availability to select a 2 hour slot at any site during its opening hours.
You can arrange to meet one-to-one with a member of staff either for a tour or an individual induction. An induction can provide you with: an individual introduction to NTU Libraries, accessing NOW and general library services and facilities, as well as information about specific resources for your subject area.
SensusAccess is an online tool that can convert documents into a range of alternative formats. It can be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, JPG pictures, and PowerPoint presentations into more accessible formats.
In addition, you could use it to convert your revision notes into an audio file to listen to on your way to university.
To convert a file go to the SensusAccess page and follow the instructions.