Special needs

East Renfrewshire Library and Information Services are committed to providing equal access for all. The information below outlines the services that we provide:

General Services to help people with disabilities

  • Disabled access - please visit the Access Guide website for details on access to Libraries and other buildings

  • Adapted toilets in many libraries. Check your local library for details of facilities

  • Induction loop system available at service counter in all libraries

  • Height adjustable desks in most libraries

  • Large screen monitors in most libraries

  • Audio books on cassette and CD

  • Large print books

  • Music CDs

  • Ask a member of staff to change screen properties for you e.g. enlarge text and mouse pointer and/or make keyboard changes to assist you if you have shaky or arthritic hands

  • If you have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse we can provide ‘BigKeys’ keyboards, key guards, tracker mouse balls and touch screen monitors

  • Video magnifier - enlarges the view of anything placed on viewing table. Useful for reading documents, looking at objects or assisting when writing.

Services for blind and visually impaired people

  • ZoomText is software that provides screen magnification and a screen reader. ZoomText is available on one PC in every library. If you require help to use this technology, please contact your local library to arrange a time for assistance

  • JAWS software is available in five of our libraries for people who are already competent in its use. Jaws is a screen reader that provides access to Microsoft software applications and to the internet.

  • A variety of ‘BigKeys’ keyboards are available in all libraries

  • Key guards are available for users with limited motor skills. Users with motor skills difficulties or upper arm disorders will find a key guard very helpful in aiming the finger at the right key and for providing generous support for the hand

  • Tracker mouse balls are available in all libraries. An easy glide touch pad is also available on request (unlike the mouse or trackball, touch pads require little arm and wrist motion and no pressure)

  • Large screen monitors are available in Barrhead, Busby, Clarkston, Mearns and Neilston Community Libraries

  • Large Print versions of test and practice papers for ECDL candidates

  • Hand-held magnifiers are available in most libraries, and can be purchased for a small charge

  • Spoken word reading group

  • Collection of audio described films on CD available at Mearns Community Library

  • Video magnifier - enlarges the view of anything placed on viewing table. Useful for reading documents, looking at objects or assisting when writing.

Services for deaf and hearing impaired people

  • Induction loop system available at service counters in all libraries

  • The Deaf Collection based in Giffnock Community Library. This special collection contains books, videos, magazines and useful guides and leaflets for the deaf and hearing impaired

  • Books and videos on sign language, which are available for loan. If you cannot find appropriate titles from your local library please ask a member of library staff for assistance   

  • British Sign Language: a course on BSL Works is available on CD-Rom at Thornliebank Community Library

  • DVDs which include subtitles, available from most Community Libraries

Services for people with Dyslexia

  • Text help is software which is designed to assist computer users with reading, writing and spelling; it is suitable for adults and teenagers. This software is available in all Community Libraries.