Queen Mary University of London Library Services offer a variety of additional services to Queen Mary students and staff who have a disability or other specific need.
To be eligible for these services, Queen Mary students must first register with the Queen Mary Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS).
Assistive Technology Room at Mile End Library
Library inductions
Bespoke library inductions are available at all sites highlighting the software, hardware and support offered at each library location. To arrange an induction email library@qmul.ac.uk.
Assistive Technology Room
Mile End Library
There is a dedicated Assistive Technology Room on the ground floor of the Mile End Library (room no. ME-G.17) which includes:
- Computer with large flat screens
- PCs with specialist software:
- JAWS screen reader
- NVDA screen reader
- Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader
- Claroread
- Mindview
- SensusAccess (online document conversion tool)
- Height adjustable desks:
- Additional height adjustable desks are available on each floor of Mile End Library
The room is accessed using your Queen Mary ID card. Eligibility and card access is arranged by DDS. If you are not yet registered with them, or are having problems accessing the room please contact dds@qmul.ac.uk.
Whitechapel Library
There are two dedicated desks with assistive technologies on the ground floor of Whitechapel Library
- Desk 1:
- Height adjustable desk
- PC with specialist software
- A magnifier/enlarger
- Desk 2:
- Height adjustable desk
- Ergonomic chair
- Screen to connect your laptop
West Smithfield Library
There is a dedicated Assistive Technology room on the ground floor of West Smithfield Library which includes:
- Height adjustable desk
- PC with specialist software
Private study carrels
There are two private study carrels available in the first floor north reading room of Mile End Library. To access these students must first register with DDS, who will notify Library Services.
Registered eligible students can request a key from library staff at the ground floor Welcome Desk, which will then be issued to their account, and must be returned there before they leave the library (normal opening times).
100% extra time on initial book loans
DDS users can request to extend their loans for an extra week when borrowing books. Students can do this at the library Welcome Desks, by emailing library@qmul.ac.uk or library chat.
Book fetching and proxy book fetching
Library staff will fetch copies of physical items for DDS students who have a mobility issue. To access this service, students must first contact DDS who will notify Library Services.
The fetched items will be stored on the ground floor of Mile End or Whitechapel Library, and the user will be notified when they are ready for collection.
When someone other than the student collects the items, this is known as Proxy Fetching. The proxy can be another student or any non-Queen Mary person nominated by the student.
Book scanning
Assuming students have exhausted all other options to acquire an accessible copy of an item offered by DDS, students can submit a book scan request. Library staff will then:
- Scan the chapter and/or book checking that each page is visually accessible and free of annotation
- Upload the PDF scan to Sensus Access which will make the scan compatible with a wide range of support software
- Contact the student and send them the pdf version of the book/chapter using the contact information the student has provided.
If a student requires a physical printed version of the book the same protocol will be followed, but the scan will be printed instead of converted to a pdf.
Postal book returns
Students can contact library staff via library@qmul.ac.uk to arrange the safe collection and return of library books free of charge. Please note, users must provide suitable packaging when using this service.
Photocopying and printing
If you are a Queen Mary student registered with DDS you may be able to reclaim the costs of printing and photocopying from your funding body. DDS users are able to request invoices of their printing and copying once per term via the IT Help Desk.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for reclaiming printing and photocopying costs, please contact the Disability and Disability Service on (0)20 7882 2756 or by email at dds@qmul.ac.uk.
Contacts
Queen Mary Library Services is committed to making its services, spaces and collections equally accessible to all its users, and we liaise with the Disability and Dyslexia Service to ensure that all needs are met as far as possible, and to maintain this service.
If you would like to further discuss your support needs, please contact:
Nick Holloway
QM Library Services
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 8955
Email: library@qmul.ac.uk
To contact Queen Mary Disability and Dyslexia Service:
Disability and Dyslexia Service
Room 3.06, Francis Bancroft Building
Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London
E1 4NS
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 2756
Email: dds@qmul.ac.uk