The following help is available:
Access to resources
Database accessibility
Some of the databases subscribed to by the Open University Library have accessibility issues. For guidance tips on searching them see Database Accessibility Issues.
Inaccessible ebooks and journals
If your disability prevents you from being able to access an online article or ebook, please contact the Library Helpdesk on +44 (0)1908 659 001, email us or chat to a member of OU library staff during our opening hours using our Webchat service to see what assistance we can provide. Just choose the Chat to a librarian link on this and any other Library web page.
Supported literature searching
We encourage students to do their own literature searching, however certain disabilities can make this process difficult or impossible so we have set up a supported literature searching service
Postal loans for housebound students
Students whose disability prevents them from accessing their local library are entitled to postal loans of print books in stock in the Library at Milton Keynes. Please complete a Library registration form and ensure you say yes to postal loans in section 3. You can then request books by placing "Hold" requests on the items you need via the Library Catalogue or your preferred means of communication.
Outgoing postage for the books will be paid by the Library but please note, you will need to return books by recorded delivery post.
Photocopied journal articles for housebound students (pilot service)
If disability prevents access to your local library, you can request photocopies of print journal articles that are kept in the Library at
Resources in accessible formats
Resources in accessible formats.
Further help
Services for Disabled Students advice and guidance website
Library building and equipment
Use the Help phone if you have a general enquiry and would like assistance in the use of Library facilities, including help with photocopying, using the Library catalogue, and retrieving items from the Library stock. Please note that the Library is not staffed in the evenings from 5 to 6.30pm, so assistance is not available during these times.
There is tactile signage with use of Braille throughout the building.
A visual alarm system consisting of flashing red lights supplements the audio fire alarm system. Wheelchair users or people with other mobility problems who are on the first or second floor when the alarm sounds should make their way to the evacuation lift, which can be used during a fire. The lift will be operated by a member of Library staff during evacuation of the Library building. If the route to the lift is blocked for any reason there are refuges in the stairwells of all three sets of stairs
Assistive technology
Available if you use the Help phone:
- Coloured overlays (issued by Library staff, for use in the Library only)
- Magnifying glasses
- Compact+ video magnifier
- Trackerballs
- Large text keyboard overlays in 3 different colour combinations
- Lamp for focussed lighting
- Infra-red loops for hearing impairment can be used in specific meeting rooms
Other equipment includes:
- Wheelchair accessible tables
- Chair with multi-adjustable options is available, but please note that it has not been designed for any specific medical requirements
Equipment is installed on various PC's in the Library. Please use the Help phone to ask about their location and how to use the technology.
The following equipment can be accessed by anyone:
- CCTV Magnifier
- Kurzweil Scan and Read software
Please note that the equipment below is currently only available to people who are eligible to access the PC's:
- JAWS screen reader
- TextHELP Read and Write
- Zoomtext
You can contact the Library Helpdesk before your visit to discuss your specific requirements or if you have any accessibility suggestions. Phone the Library Helpdesk on +44 (0)1908 659 001, email us or chat to a member of OU library staff during our opening hours using our Webchat service.
Library website on your mobile
