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Main Library, George Square

The University of Edinburgh, Central Area, 30 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LJ

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via a long slope.
    There are alternative stepped approaches.
  • The long slope is located at the front right of the building.
    The stepped approaches are located directly in front of, and at the front left of the building.
  • The George Square Main Library building has 1 entrance. This entrance provides step-free level access to the ground floor.
    There is a push pad activated, single automatic door available at this entrance.
  • The main entrance is not clearly signed.
  • There is an internal link between the main library and the library café which has security barriers.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free access throughout the building on all floors.
    There are slight slopes on all floors located immediately after the main lifts or main lift lobby, into the library spaces.
  • On floor 1 there is a slight slope in the left hand study area that leads to the mezzanine study area.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny or patterned finish.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are a mixture of manual and automatic doors in some corridor and lobby areas.

Emergency Egress for Building

  • General Building Information View
    • Please note the fire evacuation strategy from the upper floors of this building relies on the ability to self-transfer into an evacuation chair.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on each floor of the building, at either end within the toilet area.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The majority of accessible toilets available in this building have right-hand transfer spaces.
      The accessible toilet on the ground floor has transfer spaces on both sides. This cubicle has an overhead hoist above the toilet.
      The accessible toilet on the sixth floor within the Centre For Research Collections has a left-hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard toilets.
    • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located on each floor of the building, at either end within the toilet area.
    • The gender inclusive standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor, at the end of the building which is directly ahead as you exit the lift.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor off the main corridor.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located directly in front of the George Square Main Library.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of cobbles and block paving.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 242cm (width) x 413cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 133cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 28m from the Main Library main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the George Square Main Library.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens away from you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.
  • The minimum width between the security barriers is 52cm.
  • There are alternative double manual doors that open both ways to enter.
    There are two sets of these manual doors with opening widths of 160cm.
    There is a wider security barrier available with an opening width of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Exit (Main Exit)

  • The exit area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There is a single automatic door at this exit.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens away from you.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.
  • There are alternative double manual doors that open both ways to exit.
    There are two sets of these manual doors with opening widths of 160cm.
    There is a wider security barrier available with an opening width of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you exit.

Reception (Main Entrance Reception)

  • The reception is located to the right as you enter the main entrance doors.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 98cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by staff.
  • This reception desk is for security purposes only, and provides assistance with entering and exiting the main library building.

Reception (Main Library Reception)

  • The reception is located directly ahead as you enter through the main entrance security barriers.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 98cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: desks.
  • The tables are fixed.

Library

  • There is step-free level access throughout the library, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: floors 1 to 6, and the mezzanine study area on floor 1.
  • Access throughout the library may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas, benches and stools.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables, long tables, height adjustable tables, desks, height adjustable desks and booths.
  • Some chairs and tables are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 85cm to 145cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: large text and a call for assistance button.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook, ejournal and audio.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: a trackball mouse, ergonomic chairs, adjustable foot rests, handheld magnifiers, headsets and audio recorders.
  • Accessible software available for the computers includes: JAWS, Zoomtext and Dragon Naturally Speaking.
  • The library space is located throughout floors G to 5.
    There are various different resources such as printing and media areas, and individual study spaces.
    There are laptops available to be loaned from the ground floor library space.
    Some bookshelves are on rollers and need to be manually moved for access.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right as you enter the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 17m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The floors LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 105cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
  • There is an additional similar Emergency Evacuation lift.

Stairs (Main Staircase)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter the main entrance, past the lifts and through the manual doors.
  • The floors LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is a similar set of stairs to the left as you enter.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the lower ground floor off the main corridor.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from the lift is 18m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has slight ramps or slopes, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 111cm.
    • The door has a push pad lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 302cm (width) x 405cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the left side is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 81cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 113cm.
    • There is an elbow pad flush for the toilet.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 218cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 100cm .
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 107cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the study space that is to the right as you enter the main entrance, past the main staircase and to the right.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 29m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 247cm (width) x 234cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the left side is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 120cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 70cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 121cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 129cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 101cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is an overhead hoist within this cubicle which covers the toilet and both transfer spaces.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the second floor, within the study space which is directly ahead when you exit the lift.
    • The distance from the main lift is 17m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope, manual doors and narrow walkways.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 159cm (width) x 239cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 106cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 101cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.