Library Services for Accessible Learning Support

The library has a range of services and support to help make studying easier. Here’s what you need to know:

Accessing the Library

  • All library buildings have automatic doors, ramps, and lifts.
  • The McClay Library has an alternative lift if the main ones aren’t working—ask at the service desk.
  • Height-adjustable desks are available on every floor in McClay, Medical, and Biomedical Libraries.

Using the Library

  • If you can’t visit in person, a Library Assistant can retrieve books for you (arranged through Disability Services).
  • If a book is only available in print, you may be eligible for an electronic version—contact the Accessible Learning team.
  • Step stools and handrails are available for reaching books safely.

Borrowing Books

  • You get an extension on some short-loan books (e.g. 1-night DVDs for 2 nights, 2-night books for 3 nights).
  • Standard books auto-renew up to 3 times. After that, bring them in for a re-issue.
  • If returning books on time is difficult due to your disability, contact the Accessible Learning team.

Study Spaces & Support

Need a library induction? Your Disability Officer can arrange one.

  • Subject Librarians can help you find resources—find their details online.
  • Regular study sessions with a Support Provider? A weekly room booking can be arranged.
  • Individual study rooms can be booked for one-off sessions—contact Dr Robert Whan.
  • Quiet study zones are available—email library@qub.ac.uk if noise levels are too high.
  • Check how busy the McClay Library is before going using the Occupancy App.

Assistive Technology Available at QUB

At Queen’s, we offer a range of licensed assistive technology tools to support your learning. Scholarcy, Mindview and Genio can be requested through the Assistive Technology Coordinator following a short training session and are allocated on a short-term basis. You can book a session here.

Read&Write and Equatio are available on campus computers and can also be accessed remotely via the QUB Student Desktop (QSD). Below, you’ll find a quick guide to our these tools – what they do, who they’re great for, and how to get started.

  • Read&Write – Literacy support for reading, writing, and spelling.
  • EquatIO – Helps create and understand maths equations.
  • MindView – Mind mapping tool for organising study notes.
  • Genio – Notetaking software to capture and transcribe lectures.
  • Scholarcy – AI-powered summarising tool

👉 For more information read our handy guide Get To Know Your QUB Tools

👉 Check out these posts on free and in-built, AT, AI and digital study tools here

Assistive Equipment Available at McClay Library

  • Zoom-ex Scanner – Scans, magnifies, and reads text aloud (Ground Floor Service Desk).
  • CCTV Text Magnifier – Located on Floor 2.
  • High-visibility keyboards & ergonomic mice – Available at the Service Desk.
  • Height-adjustable desks – In computer areas on each floor.
  • Self-issue terminals – Short Loans area on the ground floor.

Need Help?

📍 McClay Library Contact: Dr Robert Whan
📍 Biomedical & Medical Libraries: Kriss Leslie
📍 AFBI Library: Jenny Irvine (Newforge)
📍 AFBI Library : Nóirín Dobson (Stormont)

If you need support, just ask the library staff at any service desk.

For more info, check the Library website or email the contacts above.