If you need specialist disability support or adjustments, contact Student Wellbeing as early as possible so they can discuss your needs.
See our information below to help you plan your visit and make the most of the services and resources available both online and in the LRCs.
- Planning your visit
- Using LRC study spaces
- Using computers and software
- Accessing resources
- Getting help and support
For more information on the support and resources we offer to support staff and students with particular needs, please explore the following links.
Planning your visit
Our LRCs are open 24/7 to our students and staff.
Please note that the de Havilland LRC will be temporarily closed on cetrain dates over the Summer for essential maintenance. Alternative study spaces, computers and laptop loans are available at the College Lane LRC. Please see our service status page for latest information and updates.
- Before you visit:
- Check the latest opening hours on the University website to see when support services are available.
- Check how busy the LRCs are before you visit using the Herts Mobile app.
- Bring your Herts ID card with you as you’ll need it to swipe in and out of the LRCs, borrow books and Chromebooks, and use the printers. See Accessing the LRC using your Herts ID card.
- Check the University of Hertfordshire Accessibility Guide on AccessAble for accurate, up-to-date information about LRC spaces.
- Accessible parking is available near both LRC buildings:
- College Lane: outside the Nexus building and in nearby designated spaces
- de Havilland: in the main University car park
Using LRC study spaces
- In both LRCs you'll find:
- automatic entry gates - you can swipe in and out using either your physical ID card or your virtual ID on the Herts Mobile app.
- wider access gates
- lifts to all floors
- keyless accessible toilets
- adjustable-height desks
- quiet study spaces and siltent study rooms
- bookable group study rooms with adjustable lightning
- The new Sensory Study Room in the College Lane LRC is available for students who would benefit from a quiet, low-stimulation space to study. Access to the Sensory Study Room is currently by referral through Student Wellbeing.
Using computers and software
- Chromebook loans are available from a locker at an accessible height.
- All LRC PCs and Macs include accessibility features such as:
- text-to-speech (reads text aloud)
- dictation (converts speech into text)
- screen magnification
- large mouse pointers
- adjustable text size
- Microsoft 365 includes built-in Read Aloud tools in:
- Remote desktop functionality allows you to connect to University comuters and use specialist software from off campus.
- Portable, large monitors are available to use with some Chromebooks and personal devices.
Accessing resources
Print and online resources are available to support your studies, and assistance is available to help you access and use them effectively.
- Reserve a book via our Online Library and pick it up from the reservation shelves on the ground floor of your selected LRC.
- Book retrieval service can help if a disability makes it difficult for you to collect books yourself. Speak to Student Wellbeing.
- Request a scan if an electronic version of a library book is unavailable and you need a chapter from a printed book in our collection.
- SensusAccess converts your documents into accessible formats.
- Sensory lending collection offers items that can help with focus, wellbeing and managing anxiety.
- If you would like ebooks to read aloud, follow the guidance for your ebook provider:
- If you would like text to be read aloud, follow the guidance provided for each of our main ebook suppliers:
- Ebook from VLE
- Ebook from Ebsco
- Ebook from Ebook Central - ProQuest
- RNIB Bookshare (Royal National Institute of Blind People) provides free online access to accessible textbooks and resources to students who have a print disability, including visual impairment and dyslexia. Please contact Student Wellbeing.
Getting help and support
Please ask a member of staff if you need support accessing any of our services.
- Visit the welcome desk on the ground floor of both LRCs for face-to-face support. During term time desk opening hours are 10:00 - 17:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 11:30 - 17:00 on Wednesdays.
- Low-level Information Points are available on the ground, first and second floors of both LRCs to look up books or find answers to common questions on AskHerts.
- Our Library and Computing Services Helpdesk service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact the Helpdesk by phone, email or create your own support ticket.
- For specialist disability support including making an appointment with a Disability Advisor, please contact the Student Wellbeing Team. Email: studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk or phone: +44 (0)1707 284453
More information about accessing disability support is available ask.herts.ac.uk/disability-services