Disability support in the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs)

The Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) provide a range of spaces, services, and technology to help support students and staff with disabilities, regardless of whether you have any diagnosis.

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

Planning your visit

Our LRCs are open 24/7 to our students and staff and may be more or less busy depending on when you visit. 

• The LRCs are usually busier in the afternoons and early evenings on weekdays. 
• Check how busy the LRCs are before you visit using the Herts Mobile app. In the app, select Plan Your Visit and then view live data and daily trends.
• Before you travel check the latest LRC opening hours on the University website.
• Don’t forget to bring your Herts ID cardwith 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.
• Disabled parking is available directly outside College Lane LRC and near DeHavilland LRC. 
• For accurate, up-to-date venue access information about LRC spaces see the University of Hertfordshire Accessibility Guide on the AccessAble website and app. This helps easily and safely plan your journey around campus and remove the uncertainty of travelling to new places.  

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Using LRC study spaces

• Entry (and exit) to our LRCs is via automatic gates in the entrance area and wider accessible gates are available. You can swipe in and out using either your physical ID card or your virtual ID on the Herts Mobile app. 
• Lifts are available in both LRCs providing access to all floors.
• Accessible toilets are available on all floors of the LRC.
• Adjustable-height desks are available on all floors of both of our LRCs.  Please ask a member of staff if you are having any trouble locating them.
• Quiet and silent study spaces are available at both LRCs for those looking for a spot to concentrate and focus.
• You can also book a group study room for up to 5 hours per week and book up to 10 days in advance. These rooms have adjustable lighting to suit your needs.  

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Using computers and software

• Chromebook loans are available from a locker at an accessible height. If there are none available, please ask a member of staff.  
• Accessibility software is available on all PCs and Macs, including text-to-speech and voice typing tools.
• Read aloud tools available on Microsoft 365 applications:
  • Use Learning Tools in the Edge browser, including Read Aloud
  • Listen to your Word documents
  • Listen to your Outlook email messages with Read Aloud

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Accessing resources

 Print and online resources are available to support your studies, and assistance is available to help you access and use them effectively.

• Book reservations - 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 for easy access to resources. If you are unable to gather your own books in the LRC because of your disability, your Student Wellbeing Adviser can arrange for a Book Retrieval Service.
• Request a scan- if an electronic version of a library book is unavailable, you can request a scanned copy of a print book chapter, if we hold a physical copy in the LRC.  
• Convert your documents into accessible formats with SensusAccess. 
• A Sensory lending collection is available to help manage anxiety and stimulate the senses in a calming way. 
• External eBooks conform to accessibility standards (functionality may vary). 
• Accessible copies (e.g., printed, PDFs, screen reader-friendly) can be requested based on individual needs. 
• If you would like text to be read aloud, follow the guidance provided for each of our main ebook suppliers:  
  • Ebook fromVLE 
  • Ebook from Ebsco
  • Ebook fromEbook 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, to support their learning. Please contact Student Wellbeing at StudentWellbeing@herts.ac.ukto check whether you are eligible and to request a membership

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More information about accessing disability support is available ask.herts.ac.uk/disability-services