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During staffed hours you can ask for help with anything you need at the Service Desk on level 1. We can provide:

• A hand-held magnifier to enlarge text when using printed books
• Tinted overlays in a number of colours to help you with reading and concentration when using printed books
• Coloured paper for printing and photocopying

Our Library Service Advisors will be happy to assist with other aspects of using the Library, for example finding your way around. The Service Desk is also equipped with a portable hearing loop.

We have spaces for you to study individually and with friends and as part of a group. Our Study Zones have different noise policies to help you find an environment that is right for you.

Adjustable-height desks

There is at least one adjustable-height desk in each Study Zone of the Library, which can accommodate people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Some of the adjustable-height desks are equipped with Birmingham Newman PCs, but others are available for you to work on your own devices or with pen and paper.

Level 0 - Learning Zone

• One height-adjustable desk with a PC

Level 1 - Learning Zone

• One height-adjustable desk with a PC
• One height-adjustable desk without PC

Level 2 - Quiet Zone

• One height-adjustable desk with a PC (in the Accessible Technology Area — see below for details)
• One height-adjustable desk without PC

Assistive Technology area

On level 2 we have a self-service assistive technology area. This is available for you to use whenever the Library is open. Here you can find:

A 'ReadEasy' text-to-speech scanner

This equipment can convert any pages of a printed book or document into audio. You will need to bring headphones to use this equipment, but you can also save the converted documents as mp3 files on a USB memory stick to listen to on your personal device.

A CCTV Book Scanner

This equipment uses a high-resolution camera to zoom in on any printed book or document and displays the enlarged text or image on a screen. It also allows users to display documents in alternative high-contrast background and text colours to aid reading.

A height-adjustable desk with a PC and a range of accessible equipment

• Choice of hi-visibility or ergonomic keyboard
• Choice of standard, track-ball or ergonomic mouse
• A4 document holder
• High-backed chair with head support
• Adjustable foot support

You will find instructions to help you use this equipment in the box on the desk. Please use the accessible equipment with this PC only. Do not take the equipment away from the accessible technology area.

If you would like training on how to use this equipment, then please book an appointment with us, using our online booking form, and we will be pleased to help you make the most of it. You are welcome to contact us in another way if you find this easier.

Computers with assistive technology software

The Computers in the Library are managed by Birmingham Newman IT Services and run Windows 10. Windows 10 has a number of assistive features, including 'sticky keys' and 'Narrator' voiceover built in, that can be used as a screen reader with keyboard operation.

If you have any portable assistive software (e.g. on a USB memory stick), please contact IT Services if you wish to use this on the computers on campus.