The document outlines the journey of the University of the Arts London libraries in becoming more inclusive. It discusses the establishment of a jointly funded Access and Inclusion Librarian position in 2012 to improve services across the university's six colleges. Initiatives introduced include staff training, accessibility audits of library spaces, ensuring consistent assistive software and signage, and collaborating with disability advisors. The libraries have made progress in removing barriers and providing inclusive services, but continue to work on plans for the future such as considering changes from the Disabled Students' Allowance.

1. Sara Osman, Assistant Librarian (Access & Inclusion)
Leila Kassir, Academic Support Librarian, LCC Library
Becoming more inclusive:
our journey at
University of the Arts London

2. Established in 2004
Made up of 6 colleges,
each with its own identity
and culture
Library Services aims to
provide consistent
services across all the
colleges
UAL
Image: Cylinders by Kweku Bennin © Luke Potter

3. Jointly funded Access
and Inclusion Librarian
post from December
2012
Post made permanent in
March 2014
Aims:
to improve links
between the services
to provide a focus for
inclusive library
services
Access and Inclusion
Image: Scratching below the surface by Dale Allen © Luke Potter

4. Community of Practice
Staff training
Disability equality
Dyslexia awareness
Texthelp
Inclusive arts libraries
forum
Progress
Image: Out of time by Jane Williams © Luke Potter

5. JISC LIST and forum report
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=LIS-ACCESS-INCLUSION-ARTS
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/library-services/our-services/support-disabled-dyslexic-
students/inclusive-arts-libraries-forum/

6. Ensure consistent
services and software
across colleges
LMS procureent
Improve library signage
Remove jargon from
publications
Improve departmental
communication
Accessibility audit
Action plan
Image: LCC Library © Zarar Chaudhri

7. LCC Library pilot audit
Aims
Areas considered
Outcomes
Items to check:
Help desk
Seating and tables
Acoustics, lighting, flooring
Bookshelves
Stairs/lifts
Machines
Accessibility Audit
Image: Parallel Lives by Deb Rindl © Luke Potter

8. Accessibility Audit
Image: LCC Library Silent Zone © Zarar Chaudhri
Example: Library entrance area
Circulation
Entrance doors – clear glass?
Routes unobstructed?
Adequate circulation space?
Signage clear and well designed?
Suitable floor finishes? Smooth,
level, slip-resistant
Accessible machines?
Enough seating?

9. Audit: Before and After
Images: LCC Learning Zone ©LCC Library

10. Audit: Before and After
Images: LCC Learning Zone ©LCC Library

11. Access audits at all libraries
Meeting disability advisers
Promoting assistive software
Student signage project
Input to LMS assessment
Implication of DSA changes
Broader view of inclusion
Sharing best practice
Plans for the future
Image: A journey by Gail Stuart © Luke Potter

12. Any questions?
Our contact details:
s.osman@arts.ac.uk l.kassir@lcc.arts.ac.uk
JiscMail list
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=LIS-ACCESS-INCLUSION-ARTS
Forum report
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/library-services/our-services/support-disabled-dyslexic-
students/inclusive-arts-libraries-forum/

13. What barriers currently exist in your libraries?
• Physical environment
• Services
What can be done to remove these barriers?
What one action will you take away from this
session?
Discussion