The Library isn’t just somewhere you can get books. It’s somewhere you can do your work on your own or with others, escape sensory overload and get some help with studying. This section of the toolkit will introduce our library and the services it can offer you.

University has library staff who understand Autism and want to help you make the most out of your time at uni. They can help you with finding, choosing and using library resources, amongst many other things. You will find their contact details in the ‘Practical Tips’ section below.

Apart from getting help from the Librarian, you may consider visiting the library for self study.

Many students in the Autism&Uni surveys mentioned the library as somewhere they really enjoyed being, whether they needed some quiet space to get away from it all or find some help or just to get some work done.

Assistive Technology Suite:

Library can be a lively and sometimes noisy space, which some autistic students may find overwhelming sometimes. If you are registered with the Student Disability and Inclusion team you may be recommended an access to the Assistive Technology (ATS) Suite in the library, which is a quieter space to study.

The ATS space features:

• Calm, quiet environment.
• Dual-screen computers with access to a variety of AT software.
• Height adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs.
• Space to use your own laptop.
• Push door access and clear walkways.

For more information about the ATS spaces across different campuses please click here: Assistive Technology (AT) facilities (sharepoint.com)

Student experience

Read about Penny’s experience of using library and her tips: Penny and the library – Autism & Uni Toolkit – University of Southampton (autism-uni.org)

Watch Students’ Union video on different study areas in the library

This video prepared by SUSU (Students’ Union) guides you through the different study areas in the library, including quiet zones and group work areas: SUSU’s Guide to Hartley Library

Library help

You can book an induction with the library, or request assistance from staff. Each library site has a Library Services Accessibility contact listed below who can discuss available support to enable you to make best use of the Library i.e., bringing materials to you, assisting with printing, etc.

• Hartley Library Libenqs@soton.ac.uk
• Health Services Library hslib@soton.ac.uk
• National Oceanographic Library nol@noc.soton.ac.uk
• Winchester School of Art wsaenqs@soton.ac.uk

• do you need an induction to library and how to research materials for your course?
• do you know how to book an Assistive Technology Suite to work in quieter environment in the library?

• University Library website: Home – Library Services – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)
• Floor plan of the Hartley library: Floor Plans – Hartley Library – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)
• Photo tour of the Hartley library: Photo tour – Hartley Library – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)
• University Library Accessibility Information: Library sites – Accessibility, Fire and Safety Information – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)
• Workshops and training offered by the library: Home – Online Training and Workshops – LibGuides@Southampton at University of Southampton Library (soton.ac.uk)

Originally published by Autism&Uni in November 2015. Updated by Anna McCann, University of Southampton (March, 2025).