Accessibility in the Library
The Library aims to support a positive, affirming and successful study and research experience through our spaces, services and resources.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all, in line with La Trobe University’s Universal Design and Inclusion Action Plan.
If you would like help using the Library, please reach out to us. We welcome feedback on accessibility, as this helps us improve our services and environments.
Learning supports
The Library provides a range of learning supports, including personalised guidance and assistive technology resources, to help you study in ways that work for you.
Appointments with the Accessibility Librarian offer holistic support for students who need extra guidance. You don't need to know exactly what support you need or be eligible for formal accessibility services.
These sessions provide a friendly, low‑pressure space to make sense of Library systems and study expectations, and help students articulate how they learn best. There’s no documentation required to book a session. If you need ongoing adjustments, you will be guided through registering with Accessibility.
You can explore how to use a range of assistive technologies to support reading, writing, focus and organisation. Many tools are free and widely available.
The Assistive Technology Teams channel is a space where students and staff share practical ways of using tools in their own study. You can explore different options, see what works for others and ask questions in a supportive environment.
It’s a good place to start if you want to experiment with tools such as text-to-speech, dictation, transcription and task management, without needing formal registration.
Library spaces and sensory environments
Find information about accessible Library spaces, including wheelchair access, low-sensory spaces and bookable study rooms.
All Library levels are wheelchair accessible. Check our mobility maps to find out how to access campus buildings.
Height-adjustable workstations are available at selected Library locations and are prioritised for students with disability and other accessibility needs. They support a range of requirements, including wheelchair access, ergonomic adjustments, large-print and screen magnification.
As these workstations are a shared resource, students are encouraged to use them considerately and make them available to peers who require them after a reasonable period of use. A two-hour usage limit applies. Access needs are not always visible, and students are not expected to explain or justify their disability, health condition or access requirements.
You can find these workstations at the following campus libraries:
Campus | Height-adjustable workstations |
|---|---|
Albury-Wodonga | 2 workstations available on Level 1. |
Bendigo | 8 workstations available. |
Melbourne (Bundoora) | 6 workstations are available across Levels 1–3. |
| Melbourne (City) | None currently available. |
| Mildura | 1 workstation available. |
| Shepparton | 1 workstation available. |
| Sydney | None currently available. |
Safety and troubleshooting
Before adjusting a workstation:
- Ensure people, hands and belongings are clear of the desk.
- Remove any items that may block movement underneath.
- Stop immediately if the desk does not move freely.
If a workstation is damaged, not functioning correctly or appears unsafe to use, please report the issue to Library staff.
Suggested wording
Because these workstations support a range of accessibility needs, students may occasionally need to discuss availability with one another. Conversations should focus on timing and access to the resource, rather than personal circumstances or diagnoses.
Some students find it helpful to have example wording when discussing shared accessibility resources. The following examples are optional and can be adapted to suit your situation.
If you need to ask about desk availability:
- "Hi, I need to use this desk today. Do you know roughly how much longer you'll be using it?"
- "Hi, I was hoping to use this desk. Would you mind letting me know when you're likely to finish?"
If someone asks about your use of the desk:
- "I still need the desk for a little while. I expect to finish around [this time]."
- "I need it for study today too. Could we work out a time that suits us both?"
- "I'm still using the workstation at the moment, but I'll let you know when it's available."
- "I'm just finishing up, so the desk will be free in a few minutes."
Low-sensory spaces are designed to reduce noise and sensory input and may include quiet areas, soft lighting and flexible seating. They are open to students who have joined student communities such as CANDID and LTUNN.
You can find these spaces at the following campus libraries:
Campus | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
Albury-Wodonga | Room 1107 | Open during library face-to-face hours |
Bendigo | Rooms 2.23 & 2.24 | Swipe card access required |
Melbourne (Bundoora) | Room 1.20 (on Level 1) | Swipe card access required |
Accessible study rooms are only available at some of our campus libraries. See below for information about the rooms and how to book them.
Study Room 1 is available with priority access and can be booked at the service desk of the David Mann Library.
To book the accessible rooms at Melbourne (Bundoora) library, you must be registered with the Accessibility team, and have a Learning Access Plan (LAP). Requests are made via the form provided by your Accessibility Advisor.
The Borchardt Library has three Accessibility rooms, which can be booked for up to three hours and are available during the Library's face-to-face support hours.
| Room | Location | Capacity | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.07 | Level 1 | 2 person limit (1 student + 1 support worker) |
DVD player, PC, electronic magnifier printer, automatic door, height-adjustable desk and chairs, adjustable heating/cooling |
| 1.11 | Level 1 | 2 person limit (1 student + 1 support worker) |
DVD player, PC, automatic door, height-adjustable desk and chairs, adjustable heating/cooling, adjustable lighting |
| 3.10 | Level 3 (Silent level) |
4 person limit (maximum 3 students + 1 support worker) |
PC, desks (not adjustable) and chairs, adjustable lighting |
Collections access
Access Library collections in ways that work for you, with support for borrowing, remote delivery and alternative formats.
Library staff can assist you with searching our collections, retrieving items from shelves, borrowing items and returning them.
If you require any of these services, please get in touch.
If a Library resource isn't available in a format you can use, we may be able to help. Support can include:
- PDF or EPUB versions of eBooks (where available)
- audio, large print or Braille formats
- assistance accessing resources offline or in a more suitable format.
Students, staff and researchers can request assistance accessing resources in a format that meets their needs.
If you are unable to attend campus, you may be eligible for postal delivery of Library resources.