Using the Reading Rooms |
Advance ordering | Services
Emergency procedures | Further
information
Getting to the Reading Rooms
Reading Rooms are situated on floors one, two and three on both
sides of the main building. Humanities - floor 1, Rare Books &
Music, Social Sciences and the Business & IP
Centre - floor 1 are on the first floor.
Humanities - floor 2, Manuscripts, Science - floor 2 and the Business & IP
Centre - floor 2 are on the second
floor. Maps, Asian & African Studies and Science - floor 3 are
on the third floor.
There are signs showing the entrances to the Reading Rooms and
access is gained by pushing the doors or pressing a button which
will open the doors automatically. If the doors prove to be a problem,
please ask for assistance from the Security staff in the area.
You may not take bags, outer coats or personal computer holders
into the reader areas. These must be left in the cloakroom
or lockers situated
on the lower ground floor. The temperature in the Reading Room is cool so please wear sufficient
indoor clothing for your comfort.
You may not consume food or drink in the Reading Rooms, unless
required for medical reasons; please contact
the Disability Support Officer if applicable.
Using the Reading Rooms
The Reading Room Reference Enquiries (for subject enquiries) and
the Delivery Enquiries Desks have custom-made lowered sections to
enable wheelchair users to access the various services offered.
Readers who need help carrying items to and from their desks should
inform staff at the Issue Desk.
To assist readers with impaired vision there are:
- large screen monitors to use with the online catalogue
- magnifiers
- image enhancers
- ergonomic keyboards
and other aids. Please enquire at the Issue Desks.
Reader Passes are issued to a helper or friend who is assisting
readers with disabilities to carry out their research. Helpers or friends should come to Reader Registration on the Upper Ground Floor at St Pancras, to complete a PC-based application form; they will need to bring with them appropriate identification.
One carrels (booth) is provided in each Reading Room (except the
Business & IP Centre), for readers with special
needs, e.g.
for use by a blind or visually impaired reader who needs assistance
from a helper. Carrels are locked and need to be booked for use; please ask Reading Room staff.
If your needs cannot be met by the facilities provided please ask
at the Reference Enquiry Desk for the Disability Support
Officer who will be pleased to help you. Alternatively contact
us to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs:
Advance ordering
Our remote reader enquiry service can order books on behalf of
readers. Normally this service is limited to four items, but more
items can be ordered for readers with disabilities on request, if
this proves helpful.
Services
Information in our reader leaflets describes the services the
Library can provide. Large print copies of leaflets are available
from the Disability Support Officer or Reader Education:
Emergency procedures in the Reading Rooms
Evacuation procedures are explained in the 'British Library Readers'
Handbook', provided to all readers on their first visit.
Readers who consider themselves frail or have difficulty walking
are asked to make themselves known to the security staff at the
entrance to Reading Rooms on their arrival. These readers will be
assisted to assemble in the safety stairwells. Security staff will
then evacuate readers by Fireman's lift or by Evacuchair.
Further information
The British Library is working hard to ensure that its services
and collections are fully accessible by disabled people.
The Disability Support Officer will provide advice and guidance
to readers who may find it difficult to use the services and facilities
at St Pancras. If you would like to know more, or if you need assistance
in any way, please contact the Disability Support Officer:
