Currently following the Library Graduate Trainee Scheme several aspects of that job are shown such as adding items on OLIS, the Oxford Integrated Library System, or dealing with the Circulation module in Aleph. In addition to that we are interested in more social aspects like focusing on disabilities in library environments and the services we may provide to disabled users so that everyone could access to knowledge easily.
This is what I am going to talk about. I will give you a brief explanation on how the Oxford University can support them and especially what the Magdalen College provides to relieve these people at best.
The Disability Advisory Service provides information and advice on disability issues and facilitates support for those with, for example, sensory or mobility impairments, long-term health conditions, specific learning difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions or mental health difficulties. Their web page gives a full presentation of what the University could offer. Receiving books directly at home, having special long term loans or following a personalized individual presentation are parts of what this service would try to do.
These future students can fill out a form explaining their situation in order to set up adapted infrastructures or to direct them to the best place to study, to stay, etc.
Magdalen College also welcomes visitors with disabilities. There are toilets suitably adapted in 7 locations, one in the Longwall Library, the Old Kitchen Bar is accessible going from the Cloisters. The quads are all level going and the College has got two wheelchairs available. Dogs guide assistance and support are welcome as long as they do not worry the deers. The Chapel, Hall, Auditorium, Longwall Library and Summer Common Room are all fitted with an induction loop.
The new refurbished and extended Longwall Library by the architects Wright and Wright has made a huge difference by meeting the needs of the students while conserving its history. Before that, there was no access for disabled readers and no lift. It has won the Royal institute of British Archtects (RIBA) National Award, South East Regional Award and the Conservation Award.
All this to say that the University of Oxford makes every effort to guide students to academic success and the Magdalen College is no exception to this rule!