An Inclusive Library
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 - Former Berkeley Library
There are four sensory rooms on the second floor of the former Berkeley Library. The rooms are compact and enclosed, perfect for low-distraction individual study and for taking Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls (please be considerate when taking calls as noise can travel between rooms). Each room has dimmer switches to control light levels, and a power socket. Due to their small size, the rooms are not accessible for wheelchair users. Here is a 3D floorplan marking the location of each room.
Entry is with a booking only, please use the link below.
Book a sensory room in the former Berkeley Library
Sensory Cubicles - Lecky Library
There are 18 low-distraction cubicles on the upper level of the Lecky Library, providing enclosed study spaces with large tables. There is currently no power at any of the cubicles but this will be addressed as soon as possible. All cubicles are wheelchair accessible.
Here is a 3D floorplan showing the location of the sensory cubicles.
Book a sensory cubicle in the Lecky Library
Sensory Pods - former Berkeley Library
There are two sensory pods in the basement of the former Berkeley Library for quiet individual study. The rooms provide good acoustic protection from ambient noise and include panels for controlling lighting levels and airflow. The doors are semi-automatic with no lip at ground level. While technically accessible for wheelchair users, please note that the doors are not fully automated and there will usually be a chair inside the room.
Book a sensory pod in the former Berkeley Library
Sensory Rooms - Ussher Library ATIC Space
There are two sensory rooms for individual low-distraction study in the Assistive Technology Information Centre (ATIC) on the ground floor of the Ussher Library. Each room has a height adjustable desk and is accessible to wheelchair users (note: the doors are not fully automated).
Book a sensory room in the Ussher Library
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
- 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.