Information for dyslexic users
The Library has many dyslexic users with widely varying needs. The information and links on this page are intended to guide you to essential information on our website about using the Library and help you make the most of what the Library has to offer.
Using the Library
This section of our website gives information about:
- Opening hours
- Library collections (including the Course Collection)
- Services and facilities
- floor plans
- borrowing books and journals
Finding information
You will need to know how to use the Library catalogue, Unicorn, in order to find what you want. Find out more about Unicorn and learn more about finding books and finding journal articles.
You can also sign up to the CyberLibrary course on Blackboard.
E-resources
Start using reliable and scholarly web resources rather than Google and Wikipedia.
For definitions, summaries and brief articles consult our range of online dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference sources.
Also, find out more about our range of databases, e-books, and e-journals.
Alternative formats
E-books are a good way of making text available to users who may benefit from being able to change text size and colour, or have text read to them using screen reading software. The Library provides access to over 9000 e-books, and there are also many Free e-book collections that may be of use.
If you require a book to be available electronically it may be possible to obtain the book as a PDF file from the publisher (although this is unlikely if the book was published prior to 2000). Contact Matthew Holtby to discuss this.
Contacts and support
Any member of staff will be pleased to help you. If you would like help on an individual basis with getting to know more about the Library contact the Library's Disability Co-ordinator Matthew Holtby for a one-to-one session. Matthew can give guidance on finding books and journals, or to look at any other concerns you may have.
If you are not sure where to start looking for books in your subject area, go to your Subject help page. This will give you a breakdown of the key locations for books in your subject, as well as information on subject specific dictionaries, encyclopedias, databases and internet resources. If you want help with using a particular database or with researching a specific topic contact your subject liaison librarian with a query or make an appointment for a more in-depth session.
For more general help with studying at the University, or if you have any questions about dyslexia contact the Study Advisers who can help you with preparing and organising your work, and developing more effective study practices. Check the Study Advice pages for information.
Photocopying request service
Some users may find it helpful to have material photocopied onto coloured paper. Users who are registered as dyslexic with the Disability Advisory Service can submit requests for photocopying on coloured paper using the Photocopying request service.
Assistive Technology
All PCs in the Library have TextHelp installed. This program provides a range of tools to help users with reading, writing, checking or organising written material.
See the Assistive technology page for more details.
Changing the appearance of your PC display
There are various ways in which you can alter the way your PC displays icons, documents and webpages to suit your needs. See Tips for PC users
Borrowing books
There are currently no special borrowing rights for dyslexic users. Most books are standard loan (3 weeks) and many are 7-day loan. These books can be renewed up to 5 times unless recalled by the Library.
Some very high demand books have been placed in the Course Collection (6 hour loan). See the Course Collection pages to find out about how to make the most of this facility including booking items for when you want them, overnight loans and weekend loans.