The Library and Digital Accessibility teams are creating Sensory Maps for all three of the University's libraries. These maps are designed to highlight sensory extremes in various spaces, helping students with sensory sensitivities navigate the library environment more comfortably.
The Sensory Maps will be user-friendly and informative. They will highlight areas with intense lighting, quieter zones for study and relaxation, spots with comfortable temperatures, accessible routes, as well as informative text about each space. By providing this information, the maps enable students to choose spaces that suit their sensory preferences, enhancing their overall library experience.
Key features of the sensory maps
- Bright Lights: Identify areas with intense lighting
- Loud Noises: Locate quieter zones for study and relaxation
- Cold Temperatures: Find spots with comfortable temperatures
- Accessible Pathways: Navigate easily through accessible routes
The project began last November, inspired by the accessibility enhancements offered by various museums across London. The team identified the maps as a valuable tool that could be replicated across the University's library sites to improve accessibility by allowing students to make informed decisions about their well-being and sensory needs within the library spaces.
We hope that this initiative will not only improve accessibility within the University's libraries but also set a precedent for other university campuses and higher education libraries to follow.
The new sensory maps are still in progress, and release information will follow.
