Clients with disability, University of Sydney Library

COVID-19 update: Fisher and Law Libraries are open to current students and staff only with no in-person services. All other library spaces are currently closed.
Library staff are available on Live Chat Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 2pm. Learn more.

Clients with disability

We’re here to support all clients to access the resources and services they need for their research and study.

Easy Access

Ensuring Library spaces, services and resources are easy to access for all clients is our priority. To do this, we’ve made sure:

All library locations have, or are located nearby to, accessible parking and toilets
All libraries can be accessed if you’re using a wheelchair
All physical collections are wheelchair accessible and staff are happy to help retrieve items, just ask!
Lifts are available at all multi-storey Library locations
Fisher, Susan Wakil Health Building and SciTech Libraries have height adjustable desks
Designated Silent zones and bookable rooms can be found across Library locations

Find accessible entrances, lifts and toilets locations on campus

Tell us how we can make Library spaces and services easier to use

Here to help

Library staff are here to help you discover and access our resources and services. Chat with us online or visit us at the information desks for assistance. Library Staff can assist you to access spaces, resources and services including:

retrieving physical items
requesting items from other libraries
photocopying journal articles

Contact Library Staff

Assistive technology

Fisher Library has a dedicated room with the latest in assistive technology. Specialist staff are available who can help you use it.

Specialist software:

Dragon Naturally Speaking (speech recognition software)
JAWS (screen reader)
ZoomText (magnifying/reading software)
Kurzweil 3000 (literacy support)
Mindmanager (mind-mapping software)
SS Overlay (colour overlay software)

Specialist software:

myReader 2 (Magnifier with text capture function)
SmartView (Magnifier)
Printing and scanning

Using assistive technology for an exam

If you require assistive technology for your exams, you can arrange to sit your exams in the assistive technology room via Disability Services.

Website accessibility

Digital content at the Library is designed with accessibility in mind. The Library strives for WCAG 2.0 AA compliance across its digital platforms, ensuring online content and services can be easily used with assistive technology such as screen readers and magnifiers. Recent projects to enhance digital accessibility at the Library include:

Reviewing and remediating existing PDFs on the Library web site
Developing processes and training staff to ensure all new content is accessible
Captioning all videos on our YouTube Channel including training and seminar videos
Working with vendors and eResources providers to enhance accessibility of third-party tools and platforms
Adding long text descriptions for complex images in online learning materials

Tell us how we can make the Library website easier to use

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

The University of Sydney has developed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. In response to this, the Library has commenced a project to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan specific to Library spaces, services and resources. Once completed, this action plan will be made available on this page.

Read the University of Sydney Disability Inclusion Action Plan