Heavy doors and lots of stairs: the University Library is not sufficiently accessible says report
The new University Library (UB) appears to remain largely inaccessible to visitors with physical disabilities. Following a tour of the building, the University Diversity Sounding Board (UDSB) has drawn up a list of issues and practical recommendations to make the building more accessible.
The University Library opened in 2025 following a costly, years-long refurbishment, but remains difficult to access for students with physical disabilities. To assess accessibility, the University Diversity Sounding Board (USDB), Facility Services and representatives from UvA IDEAs (the student community focused on accessibility) conducted a tour of the building in January. Based on this tour, a report was drawn up highlighting a substantial list of issues. Recommendations were subsequently formulated.
The report identifies three points which, according to the members of the USDB, are the “most urgent” and “will contribute to an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone”. The first point is the replacement and automation of heavy doors. Furthermore, updating Spacefinder, the website and signage will provide better accessibility information, and people with mobility challenges should be given priority when booking accessible study spaces. The UvA states on its website that this booking system is currently being tested. This has been going on for several months now.
Structural problems
During the tour, they encountered more structural problems, such as the lack of accessible spaces for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. For example, the tower room and the ‘tree’ on the central square are only accessible via stairs. The first and second floors do have lifts, but these are not suitable for people. This limits access to books. There are also many stairs within the floors, and ramps and lifts are “inconsistently positioned”.
In addition, there are specific issues, such as the lack of floor announcements in the lift, meaning that blind or visually impaired people do not know which floor they are on. The signs indicating the location of accessible toilets are positioned too high to be read from a wheelchair.
Concrete recommendations
For most of these issues, the USDB has also provided concrete recommendations. For example, the lockers and displays for borrowing books are positioned too high for wheelchair users – the proposed solution is a system allowing for the request of lower shelves. The recommendations issued have also been shared directly with the relevant departments.
The UvA considers it important that the library becomes more accessible. “Everyone must be able to use our buildings, facilities and information,” a spokesperson said. The report and recommendations have been included in the framework letter for 2027, so that funds can be allocated within the UvA – including by Facility Services and the Library – for modifications. Special labels are being developed for Spacefinder to make facilities for people with (invisible) disabilities easier to find, and floor announcements are now being made in the lifts.
