Libraries & Collections are committed to providing inclusive, user-oriented services to support students during their time at King's. Library staff are available to help users make full use of its services and facilities.
For further details, please check the sections below and get in touch.
How to access the library buildings
Information on accessible entry to the library buildings can be found on AccessAble.
For further support and guidance, speak to library staff in-person or online.
Services and support
Students registered with King's Disability Support & Inclusion will have:
- Access to Assistive Technology (AT) rooms and booths.
- Assistive software.
- Longer book loans.
- Book fetching.
- Support workers and proxy borrowing.
- Accessible Study Pods (SP).
- Accessible laptops.
- Deaf alerters [Maughan Library only].
- Induction loops.
- Video Magnifiers.
Access to Assistive Technology (AT) rooms and booths
Students who require the use of Assistive Software can access the Assistive Technology rooms using their King’s ID card. ATs offer a single use space for those students who are registered to use them, along with any required support workers.
How to book a room
- Once registered as an AT room user you will be provided with links to allow you to book your sessions.
- Rooms are bookable during library opening hours, library staff will be present during staffed hours to guide you to the AT rooms and booths.
- Rooms are available for one hour slots (with a maximum of three hours per day).
- If you are struggling to book please contact the Library via LibChat, our live chat service.
If you prefer, you can email library@kcl.ac.uk - We aim to respond to emails within one working day and to resolve all queries within five working days.
Please use this form to raise any requests, queries or feedback you may have relating to the use of AT rooms.
Assistive software
Free software to help you study is available on all library PCs via the built-in Company Portal app.
Find out more at Disability Support | Support for learning.
SensusAccess
SensusAccess is a self-service option for accessible formats. It allows you to convert documents that would normally be inaccessible. These include image-only PDF files, scanned documents, pictures of text and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.
Documents can be converted into a range of alternate formats, including:
- Digital Braille
- MP3
- DAISY structured audio books
- E-books
Conditions of use
You can make an accessible copy if you own the copyright (eg. it's your own work), have permission from the copyright holder, if the copyright has expired, or if it's for someone with a disability preventing or impeding access to printed material. If so, you need to agree that:
More information can be found on the King’s copyright pages. You can also contact copyright@kcl.ac.uk for advice.
SensusAccess is available to all King’s College London students, staff and alumni who have a King’s email address (i.e. …@kcl.ac.uk).
Help
SensusAccess provide useful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), videos and guides.
Please contact the Disability Support & Inclusion Team if you have a print impairment and would benefit having access to core reading in an accessible format.
Using SensusAccess to convert a file
(If the box below is blank, you will need change your cookie preferences - click on the blue and white cookie icon on the bottom left of the screen to make changes and then refresh this page to view the SensusAccess file convertor.)
Longer book loans
Extended loan periods for Standard Loan items. Loan periods will be two-weeks instead of one-week.
Book fetching service
Students can request books and other resources to be collected from the shelves and made available for collection from the hold shelf of their chosen library.
- This service is performed during library staffed hours.
- This service can be requested through Library Search.
- Students will be notified by email once the book is available for collection.
- This service is not available for Short Loan or Reference Only books.
Once you have requested an item, you can only change the collection site before the item goes into transit: if you need to change it whilst the book is being sent for collection, please ask library staff to do this for you.
Support workers and proxy borrowing
Support workers will have access to the library via their King's ID card.
We can provide proxy borrowing for students registered with Disability Support & Inclusion. Proxy borrowing means that your Support Worker will be able to request, borrow and return books on your behalf.
To set up a proxy borrower:
- A King's ID card for your Support Worker must be arranged via Disability Support & Inclusion.
- Disability Support & Inclusion will then contact the library to set up the proxy borrowing.
Please be aware that all books and any charges accrued remain your responsibility.
To comply with Data Protection your Support Worker will not have access to any details on your record, including books you have borrowed yourself.
Accessible Study Pods (SP)
There are two accessible individual study pods on the Ground Floor of the Maughan Library in the lobby for Lifts 1 and 2, which are prioritised for wheelchair users.
Each pod has an access slope and an automated button.
Accessible laptops
A limited number of laptops available for students to borrow are located at an accessible height in our self-service library laptop cabinets.
To borrow one of those laptops, first scan your card in the laptop cabinet, and then tap the grey accessibility symbol at the top of the screen until it turns green. Then, request a laptop.
Find out more about borrowing laptops from the library in our How can I borrow a laptop? FAQ.
Deaf alerters
The Maughan Library has a deaf alerter system installed. This system alerts library users via a pager if a fire alarm sounds in the building.
If you would like to borrow a pager, please speak to the Security team who are located by the main entrance.
Video magnifiers
Video magnifiers are available in some of the AT rooms, please check the AT room descriptions when booking. These machines allow you to:
- vary magnification levels, to get very high levels of magnification;
- get a comfortable reading distance;
- vary reading distance;
- get a large field of view.