Support Services

This page provides information on how we can help should you need it. The Library aims to make its services accessible to all. If you experience a problem or have a suggestion to improve access, please email library.membership@sussex.ac.uk.

• Library Access

  The Library’s accessible north door is located off of Library Road next to the Institute for Development Studies Café.

  

  There are steps at the main entrance to the Library, which may be unsuitable for some users. A step-free entrance is located at the north end of the building - follow the signs to IDS. There is an accessible route from Library Sqaure via Arts Rd to the North Door.

  

  The lift located at the rear of the building can be used to access all floors except the basement. 

  There is also a lift providing access to the North Basement. 

  The Library Service Desk have been fitted with a desk top hearing induction loop and is accessible by wheelchair users. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on each floor.

• Support using the Library's digital resources

  The Library runs a programme of practical workshops throughout the year. You can also request 1-2-1 and group training sessions tailored to support your specific needs. To find out more, visit our Training webpage.

• Library Search Accessibility

  This page from the Open University contains guidance on using Library Search with screen readers. This Technology Enhanced Learning page also provides links to guidance on how to change settings on your computer, and to software that you may wish to use.

• Make files accessible

  Use SensusAccess to convert your files into a format that is accessible for you. PDFs, JPEGs and other formats can be converted into audio, braille, text files and more. Further information on assistive technology software can be found from the Sussex Regional Access Centre. 

• Book a study room

  The Library has 10 study rooms available for all students to book and a further three accessible study rooms for those that require an accessible space or assistive technology. 

• Book a height-adjustable desk

  You can book a height adjustable desk up to 3 hours at a time, contributing to a total of 25 hours a week across all bookable spaces (up to two weeks in advance). Please only book if you have a specific need for a height adjustable desk.

• Book Picking Service

  If you require help finding books in the library we can provide a book picking service to assist you. Please follow these steps:

  • Visit the library catalogue at https://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/search and sign into your library account at the top right.
  • Search for the book or item you require. If we do not hold a copy in the library, you can make an Inter Library Request here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/find/ilr
  • Once you have found the item you would like us to pick for you, you should see a small envelope image representing the email option on the right hand side of the item listing. Alternatively if you have clicked into the item listing, this email logo will be at the bottom of the listing.
  • Click on the email symbol. A pop-up box appears. in the 'To' field enter library.membership@sussex.ac.uk
  • In the 'Note' field please include your name, Sussex username (abc123), and state 'accessibility book picking request'.
  • If you would like to request mutiple items, please click the pin icon when you have found an item you require, and repeat this process for all items.
  • Once you have 'pinned' all the items you want us to pick for you click on the pin icon in the top right hand corner of the page. this will take you to your favourites page.
  • On the favourites page either select all items, or just the items you would like to have picked for you. Then click on the three dots icon at the top of the page.
  • This will open the pop-up box as before, and you complete all the fields as previously explained.
  • Request should be collectable within 24 hours Monday to Thursday, but will take longer over the weekend. We will email you once the books are ready to be collected.
• Zoom accessibility

  Find guidance on how to host accessible Zoom meetings along with advices on how to more easily participate in Zoom meetings. 

• How to reformat files for accessibility

• Finding ebooks with Library Search

• Personal Support

  If you need personal support involving your health, finances or any other barriers in your life that affect you managing your library account then please contact us as soon as possible.

  The University of Sussex Student Centre is also available to offer guidance on how you should proceed in the event of any crisis affecting your studies.
  
  With your permission, they will advise the Library if you are facing any barriers that may affect your library account. You are welcome to discuss these issues with the Library directly. We will do what we can to help in the first instance and advise you on the best course of action to take in order to manage your library account effectively whilst you study. Any information you give us will be treated confidentially. Email us at library.membership@sussex.ac.uk.

  If you have registered with the Student Support Unit, you may be eligible for additional services including book picking and support with making files accessble. 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unit

  The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit is responsible for promoting, co-ordinating and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across the whole university community.

  The EDI Unit works closely with schools, divisions, staff networks and the University of Sussex Students' Union to deliver the University’s EDI strategy. You can contact the EDI Unit at edi.unit@sussex.ac.uk.

• Health and Wellbeing

  The University Health and Wellbeing page gives you links to free online resources which can offer support with mental health and wellbeing, including the wellbeing reading list, self assessments, online CBT courses, apps and podcasts, self-management booklets, and useful websites.