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https://bookshare.ie/

An Inclusive Library

The Library is committed to providing an inclusive library environment so that all readers have complete and equitable access to the entire Library service.

Library Sensory Spaces

In response to research by the Library, the Disability Service and Discipline of Occupational Therapy, the TCD Sense Project has developed a variety of learning environments within the Library designed for quiet study, rest and relaxation. Each space caters to different sensory preferences in terms of room size, noise, light, seating and visual stimuli. These include individual study rooms, shared small study rooms, enclosed pod desks, high-backed enclosed seating in areas of good natural light, transition spaces and shared sensory rooms.

The sensory spaces are available to all students, except the ATIC areas, which can be accessed by students registered with the Disability Service.

Sensory rooms

These four rooms are compact, enclosed low-distraction spaces for individual study. Each room has dimmer switches to control light levels, and a power socket.

Entry is with a booking only, please use the link below.

Book a sensory room in the former Berkeley Library

Shared small study rooms with individual quiet study spaces

These rooms offer a quieter and more enclosed space, with pods providing individual study spaces to work in. These spaces are ideal if you want quiet areas to work, with lower levels of light and reduced visual distraction.

Study pods and cubicles

If you prefer minimal visual stimuli, we have developed a number of areas with pods containing enclosed study desks. For example, there are two sets of quiet study pods on the Upper Level of the Lecky Library, which provide enclosure and reduced visual distraction, but also provide generous study space between each desk in an area with good natural light.

Transition spaces

Transition spaces, typically located near Library entrances or stairwells, allow you to orientate yourself to a new sensory environment. These areas provide a range of seating where you can pause to study, or just sit for a few minutes before moving to other parts of the Library.

Flexible seating

Numerous feedback surveys have highlighted that students value natural light, flexible seating and a connection to nature in their study environment. We have installed over thirty high-backed enclosed seats of various shapes, fabrics and colours throughout the libraries, in areas that provide these sensory characteristics.

Lecky Library respite room

Located on the Upper Level of the Lecky Library, this sensory room has two rocking chairs, a bean bag, and lower levels of the lighting to provide students with a respite space while studying in the Library. It can accommodate a maximum of three students at a time.

Building Access

The Library of Trinity College Dublin includes an extensive array of buildings. Recent building projects have accommodated the principles of Universal Access and existing buildings have been made accessible through retro-fitting. Work is on-going and recent improvements included automation of a number of doors throughout the Library and adding loop systems to all Service Counters.

Do You Struggle with Reading Text?

We know that some Library users experience challenges with text. For example, you may have a visual impairment, dyslexia or find it is difficult to understand print material. In that case, Bookshare Ireland can help.

What is Bookshare Ireland?

Bookshare Ireland allows Irish users with visual, physical and text impairments to access a global database of over 1.2 million e-books. These titles can be transformed into the following accessible formats:

  • EPUB
  • PDF
  • Word
  • Daisy
  • Audio
  • BRF (Braille)

How does Bookshare work?

Anyone can view the Bookshare Ireland catalogue to see which books are available (use the search box at the top of their homepage). However, you need to register for the service to access the database of books.

Once logged in, go to MENU > Audio > Language > PDF (for example).

Download digital files straight to your desktop in PDF, EPUB, Word, DAISY, DAISY with Images, MP3 synthetic audio, or Braille Ready File (BRF).

Assistive Technology: Compatible files can also be accessed via a wide variety of assistive technologies and devices such as JAWS, Zoomtext, Orbit, and the Mercury12.

Smartphone and Tablets: You can also access Bookshare Ireland books on your smartphone, tablet or PC by downloading the free Easyreader App.

How do I register for Bookshare?

You will need to contact the Disability Assistive Technology Officer, who will approve your request. E-mail: acostel@tcd.ie | Telephone: 01-8963111, or make an appointment using Microsoft Bookings.

How long do I have access to Bookshare?

Once approved, your membership for Bookshare is for life.

Supports for Students with Disabilities within the Library

A number of supports are available to students registered with the Disability Service within the Library. You can discuss any needs related to the Library when you meet your Disability Officer for a Needs Assessment upon application for reasonable accommodations with the Disability Service. More information on how to make this application can be found online.

Registered students may be entitled to:

Special Borrowing Privileges: Undergraduate students with Special Borrowing Privileges are entitled to the same items as postgraduates. For more information see Library reader types.

Educational Support Workers: “ESW Library Assistants” help students who find it challenging to search, retrieve, borrow, return and photocopy materials from the Library.

Alternative Formatting: Sometimes students cannot access print materials and need resources in an alternative format (e.g., audio access, large print, Braille).
Trinity acquires or create materials in these formats for students.

Assistive Technology Information Centres (ATIC)
College has a number of modern AT resource rooms called "Assistive Technology Information Centres", or ATIC for short. These rooms include computers with assistive software and other assistive technologies. Assistive Technology (AT) is any use of technology which helps a user perform a task more easily. ATIC areas are currently located in three libraries:

  • Ussher Library
  • Hamilton Library (Lower Level)
  • John Stearne Medical Library

For more information see Library ATIC areas.

To discuss your library supports contact your Disability Officer in the first instance.