Access and evacuation information for customers with mobility difficulties: Western Bank Library

Is the Western Bank Library accessible?

The Western Bank Library is a large and complex listed building whose original design (from the 1950s) takes little account of the needs of customers with mobility difficulties. The University has endeavoured to make it as accessible as possible but if it presents you with any difficulties, you are advised to contact the Additional Support Service so that we can discuss your specific needs with you.

You are also encouraged to discuss your additional support requirements with the Disability Team in the Hillsborough Resource Centre (disability.info@sheffield.ac.uk or telephone (0114) 222-1303).

Accessible parking is available both between the Western Bank Library and the Arts Tower, and on the Terrace There is an accessible toilet on Level G (ground floor).

Where are the entrances to the Western Bank Library?

You can enter the Western Bank Library from either Level G (ground floor) or Level M (mezzanine level).

1. Level G entrance. The doors on Level G are power-operated, activated by means of a push pad.
2. Level M entrances. There are two entrances to the Western Bank Library on Level M – via the Terrace or via the bridge from the Arts Tower. The doors from the Terrace open automatically but those from the Arts Tower are manually operated.

How do I enter the Western Bank Library from Level G?

Regular users of the Western Bank Library who have mobility difficulties may be provided with swipe card access to allow access to the lift from Level G, if required. The Additional Support Service will offer safety and evacuation advice prior to activating swipe card access and you will be required to sign an agreement of terms and conditions. Please email lib-support@sheffield.ac.uk if you feel you are eligible.

• Swipe your UCard to open the glass door to the right of the Porter’s Lodge
• The door will open automatically onto the lift lobby and the ramp will lead you to the lift
• Press the button to call the lift
• There are 2 panels of buttons inside the lift and the lift door opens on the side nearest to the panel used. Press either the ‘5’ (Main Hall/ Reading Room) or ‘4’ (Level 4) button.
• Please note: exit from Level 5 is on one side only

Customers with mobility difficulties who do not have swipe card access and wish to enter at Level G may be escorted to the lift by a Porter. If there is no-one in the Porter´s Lodge when you arrive, please use the telephone to request assistance. When you wish to leave, please ask a member of Library staff to assist you.

How do I enter the Western Bank Library on Level M?

You can enter either via the Terrace or via the bridge from the Arts Tower.

UCard scan entry to the Western Bank Library is on this level. If necessary, staff on the Welcome Desk will open the gate for you.

A platform lift is available to take anyone unable to access the 5 steps from Level M up to Level 4. Please remember to keep your finger on the button until the lift has reached its destination and released the lock on the door.

Please note: there is no button to call the platform lift down to Level M but if it has carried someone to Level 4, it returns automatically to Level M after a few minutes.

How do I leave the Western Bank Library?

Please ensure that you have all Library material issued before leaving.

Leaving by Level G

• Call and enter the lift
• Press the ‘2’ button on the left-hand panel and exit the lift into the lobby
• Swipe your UCard to leave the lift lobby area

Leaving by Level M

• Take the lift to Level 4 and then use the platform lift, if necessary, to Level M
• If you are on Level 4, simply take the platform lift to Level M

Which areas of the Western Bank Library are accessible to me?

• Wheelchair users

• Levels 5 and 4

The design of the building means that other areas are not accessible to you because, unfortunately, no safe escape route or refuge facility can be provided.

For information on how to obtain material from inaccessible areas, please see Library support for customers with mobility difficulties or contact the Additional Support Service.

• Customers with mobility difficulties

• Levels 5 and 4

If you are confident that you could walk up or down the stairs to escape to safety if necessary, you may also use the lift from the Main Hall, Level 5 or from Level 4 to go to and from:

• Level 6 (The Upper Gallery in the Reading Room – exit on one side only)
• Level 3
• Level 2

What if I get trapped in the lift?

In this unlikely event, please press an alarm bell at the bottom of the panels for a few seconds and speak into the grille on the left hand side panel.

Can I access the Western Bank Library if the usual lift and platform lift are out of order?

Yes. You can go to Level 5. Enter via Level M and ask a member of Library staff to enable you to access the goods lift. You will also need to ask a member of Library staff to give you access to this lift when you wish to leave.

Emergency evacuation – where do I go?

If there is a fire, you must not use the lift. Please always make your way to the nearest safe emergency exit.

From Level 6

• Customers with mobility difficulties
  Make your way down the nearest flight of stairs and follow the advice for Level 5

From Level 5

• Wheelchair user
  If possible, leave via the Reading Room emergency exit into Weston Park. Alternatively, a wheelchair refuge point is located on the back staircase landing. Make your way through the door to the right of the tapestry in the Main Hall and through the fire doors onto the back staircase landing. Please wait there for assistance. If you have a mobile phone you can speak to the University Control Centre on (0114) 222-4444.
• Customers with mobility difficulties
  If possible, leave via the Reading Room emergency exit into Weston Park. Alternatively, if you are able to do so, go down one flight of stairs and leave the Western Bank Library on Level M via the Terrace.

From Level 4

• Wheelchair users
  Leave via the nearest safe emergency exit into Weston Park
• Customers with mobility difficulties
  Depending on your location when the alarm sounds, leave via either the emergency exits into Weston Park, or the Level M doors leading onto the Terrace

From Level 3

• Customers with mobility difficulties
  Make your way to the nearest safe emergency exit. There are two in the corners furthest away from the lift (these will involve climbing one flight of stairs and then an escape into Weston Park) and another via the National Fairground Archive which also involves climbing steps and leads you to Level M

From Level 2

• Customers with mobility difficulties
  Make your way to the nearest and safest of the three emergency exits, all of which involve stairs, in some cases two flights.

Please note:
If you are using a refuge point, please ensure that a member of staff or, in their absence, another Library customer is informed of your location. This is so that the information can be passed on to the person(s) who is to provide assistance.

Where is the Assembly Point?

The Concourse near the Union of Students' building and University House.

Further information and comments

If you would like further information or wish to comment on any aspect of the service, please contact the Library's Additional Support Service by:

• Email: lib-support@sheffield.ac.uk
• Telephone: (0114) 222-7294
• Visiting the Information Commons
• Post: The Additional Support Service, Information Commons, University of Sheffield, 44 Leavygreave Road, Sheffield, S3 7RD
• The feedback form