Disabled access to the bfi National Library

The library is committed to ensuring that all users can make full use of our services and facilities. We offer as much help as we can to any user who may have a disability or a specific learning difficulty, including dyslexia. We hope that by operating in this way all our users will benefit.

Whilst we normally expect all our users to purchase a pass in order to access the library, our policy is not to charge helpers who are accompanying another user. In certain circumstances, or where we feel a user is not able to benefit fully from access to the collection, we will refund the cost of any pass that has been purchased.

Advance notice

If you wish, please call us to discuss your access needs before you visit the library. This will help us ensure that you get the best out of your visit. Please contact the Reading Room Librarian, either by telephone (020 7957 4824) or by using the contact form if you are in a position to give us notice that you or a colleague will be using the library.

Assisting users

It is library policy to assist any users who may have problems carrying materials to take anything they need to consult to their study desk. All staff will be able to assist either directly or indirectly.

Disabled access

Wheelchair access is standard, with floors level from street to Reading Room, and with special toilet facilities immediately adjacent to the Reading Room.

Some computer terminals are low level, and designed for seated users.

Hearing difficulties

The library counter is fitted with an induction loop system.

Learning difficulties

If a user has learning difficulties we will try and assist them. We may need to discuss with the user, or their helper, how best this can be achieved.

Photocopying

If any user is unable to make copies of material they need, staff on duty will be willing to make those copies on behalf of the user, or arrange to do so. This includes making enlarged copies under the terms of the recently revised legislation. There will be no additional charge for this, but normal copying legislation, charges and conditions will apply, including our policy on not copying material if to do so would harm it.

Visual disabilities

We have a range of assistive technology for users whose sight is impaired. These include magnifiers of varying strengths. Please ask for these if you require them. Some keyboards have large-print labels.

Large print versions of our main leaflets and our newsletter are available on request.

We do hold an extensive range of recorded interview material, mainly on audio-cassette and CD. Please ask the staff if you wish to listen to any of this.