Information Services and Disabled Users

We aim to make all our services as accessible as possible for all disabled users, including members of the general public.

Disability Advice for Students

To arrange individual adjustments such as study rooms and assistance with collecting books etc, students should contact the University’s Disability and Learning Support Service as soon as possible.

The named point of contact for disabled students, whether facing challenges or wanting advice regarding anything Information Services offers and/or provides is Viki Galt the Head of Disability Information. These contact details are provided below.

Specific Services

Individual students may be eligible for some of the following services, after discussion with the Disability and Learning Support Service:

1.  Longer loan periods for reserve books.
2.  Assistance with book collection.
3.  Assistance with photocopying.
4.  Access to a personal locker within the Main Library.
5.  IT adjustments for student exams.
6.  Accessible study rooms in the Main Library for sole use by disabled students, with  and additional two in the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library and one in Murchison House (through electronic booking system).
7.  Accessible study rooms in the Main Library for individual occupancy for one year by a specific disabled student.
8.  Books can be transferred free of charge from the Site Libraries to the Main Library for students if they find it more accessible.

To discuss any of the above please contact the Disability and Learning Support Service.

Disability Advice for Staff

The University has a Staff Disability Advice Service an Occupational Health Service.

For individual staff adjustments please contact your line manager or the Staff Disability Advice Service.  The Staff Disability Advice Service (SDAS) can provide advice and guidance to disabled including deaf, and/ or neurodivergent colleagues as well as their line managers. Staff can contact the service to get advice on reasonable adjustments in the workplace or information about Access to Work.  

More information can be found on the 

Staff Disability Advice Service Webpages

Occupational Health Service

Occupational Health can advise staff and their managers on issues related to their health at work. Staff can self-refer or their manager can refer them.

Occupational Health Website

IS also run a disability computing support service for staff. For more details please visit the website.

Staff Disability Computing Support Service

Disability Advice for all Users

Library  Accessibility

1. We aim to make all our library sites as accessible as possible. Disabled users have priority use of the lifts at all IS sites. Information on the accessibility of each library site can be found at:

Library site accessibility

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2.  We provide hearing loops at all library helpdesks.

3.   Portable induction loops can be arranged for any room in the  libraries. For more information please contact the IS Helpline.

4.  Library documents and leaflets are available in alternative formats upon request.

5.  Coloured acetates, a portable desk lamp and an A4 page magnifier are available to borrow at all IS libraries.

6.  A library trolley can be borrowed if you find it difficult to carry books.

7.  A book collection service is available and books can be sent to the Main Library if this location is more accessible for you. Staff will be happy to assist you at all library sites in any way: such as finding and collecting books for you etc.

8.  Fire evacuation procedures are in place for disabled users at all Information Services premises. (Braille instructions on fire evacuation of the Main Library are available at the reception desk at the Main Library entrance.) Braille instructions for evacuation of site libraries can be arranged by contacting the Disability Information Officer.

Computer resources and support

Disabled students have priority access to the following IT resources:

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1. Accessible PCs around campus with specialist software and hardware installed, e.g. ZoomText magnifier, Job Access with Speech (JAWS), ergonomic keyboards and mice.
2. Three dedicated Accessible Study Rooms on the first floor of the Main Library and two at the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library with accessible PCs, Brailler, scanners, MyReader CCTV and adjustable height desks.
3. Training on using software on accessible PCs, and on accessing University resources such as email, library catalogue, and eJournals.

Information on the locations of all assistive technology can be found at:

The broader view

1. The Information Services website is evaluated regularly to review its accessibility. This site includes accessibility information for staff and students:

IS accessibility website

2.   A specialist Disability Information Team is employed to review services and increase accessibility of all the services and facilities provided by Information Services.

3.  Staff training is provided on the Equality Act 2010, The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, testing of websites and applications for accessibility, Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) writing and on disability issues in general including how to make documents and teaching sessions accessible.

4.  Any new software or hardware purchased by IS is assessed to evaluate how accessible it is to disabled users and the results are taken into consideration in procurement decisions.

5.  In line with the Scottish Specific Duty regulations 2012, all new Information Services policies and procedures are equality impact assessed.

We are happy for any feedback, comments and suggestions regarding facilities and services that Information Services provides for disabled students. If you have a point you would like to raise or if you require this document in an alternative format such as Braille, large print etc, please contact the Head of Disability Information.