Accessibility
The Warburg Institute is committed to ensuring that all our readers are able to take advantage of our collections and services.
There is a designated disabled parking space immediately outside the Institute. A ramp at the right-hand side of the main doors gives access into the building.
Two lifts - at Reception and next to the Reading Room - give access to the building from the ground floor. Please note that the Library lift is small and may not be suitable for wheelchair use. If you require use of the main lift, we will arrange for a temporary access card to give you access to the Library.
There are accessible toilets in the ground floor Kythera Gallery and on the 1st and 3rd floors of the Library.
If you would like to bring an assistant with you, we are happy to provide access for them.
Assistance Dogs for guidance are welcome.
Fire safety and emergency evacuation
If you are a wheelchair user or have very limited mobility, please inform staff where you are working so that we can help you in the event of an emergency.
The emergency alarm is a continuous two-tone siren. There are no visual alarms in the Library.
In the event of an emergency evacuation, please leave the Library by the nearest signed exit if you are able to do so. The main exits are via the fire escape from the library stacks on each floor, or down the Library stair. Staff will make a sweep of the Library to alert readers. If you are having difficulty reaching a fire escape or stairwell, please tell a member of staff.
If you cannot exit via the main routes, there are disabled refuge points on every floor of the main Institute stair and the fire escape. Press the communication button to alert Reception of your presence. In the event of a genuine fire alarm, your location will be reported to the fire brigade who will evacuate you.
If you are a regular visitor to the Institute, you will be issued with a Personal Evacuation Escape Plan (PEEP). Please email [email protected] to enquire about this.
Specialist equipment and assistive software
All Library computers run Windows 11 built-in accessibility features.
We can provide a range of equipment including: portable hearing induction loop, desk lamps, coloured page overlays, magnifying glass and book supports.
Please ask staff at the enquiries desk for further details.
Fetching books
Library staff are happy to fetch items from the stacks and bring them to you in the library. Please just ask at the enquiries desk.
To request a fetch service in advance please email your list to [email protected] or call us on 020 7862 8936.
Copying
The printer/copier is located on the ground floor Reading Room. The photocopier has an enlarging function that may help if you have a visual impairment. There is also an overhead scanner, which is free to use. We are happy to help you if you need support using the copiers.
Induction loop
A portable hearing induction loop is available at the enquiries desk. Please inform a member of staff if you would like it to be used.
Confidentiality
Your discussions with Library staff are confidential. However, it may be necessary store information on your record (with your permission) or to share information with a third party in order to make adjustments to the service and to prevent you from repeatedly having to explain your needs to different members of staff.
Contact us
For general support in the Library, ask at the enquiries desk in the ground floor Reading Room, or call 020 7862 8936 if you are outside the Library.