We offer a one to one welcome tour of your campus library (Colchester, Loughton or Southend), available with a referral from the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS).

This service is available for newly registered students declaring a disability who are registered with SWIS. Suitable for those who are unable to participate in generic/group Welcome library inductions or tours, due to physical, visual or specific learning difference - who may be anxious about using the library, find it hard to ask questions or participate in a busy group environment.

With a referral you will be invited to book a 30 minute one to one with a member of our frontline team for a general tour of the Library and its physical services, which can include tailored aspects based on your needs and preferences, such as:

• Location of subject reading material on the shelves.
• How to use self-service machines to borrow and return books.
• Where to find the lift and location of accessible toilets.
• Location of height adjustable desks and how these work.
• How to borrow a laptop from an accessible locker.
• Various study zones and where to find your preferred space (e.g., Silent/Quiet).
• Where to find bookable Individual Study Pods and Study Rooms.
• Where to collect requested books (particularly useful if using the shelf retrieval service).
• Where to find assistive equipment such as book baskets, coloured overlays, book supports, contrast coloured paper for writing/printing, or magnifying sheets.
• Answering any questions or concerns you may have on using the library.

If you are a new student and would like to benefit from this service please register your disability with the Student Support Disability Team via Student Services Hub, or speak with your SWIS contact. For more information on this service please contact us. 

As this is a new service we are interested in your experience and feedback to help develop and improve our service offering, so please do let us know what you think.