Creating accessible services

The new Centre for Conservation at the British Library (www.bl.uk) opened in March 2007. It provides facilities and programmes for the public on conservation, collection care and a sound archive.

As part of the planning process, the library ensured that those involved in the design contract fully recognised the needs of disabled people and their legal obligations. It also ensured that “all the boxes were ticked” by bringing in a disability access consultant to audit the design of the centre.

The library provides a range of accessible services, from digital magnifiers to large screen monitors for readers. It is currently developing customised tours for different disabled groups. It reviews the accessibility of its services on a regular basis and look for improvements following reader feedback.