Accessibility support

Our library team is committed to ensuring that all students and visitors can make full use of our services and facilities. We are here to provide the best possible support so that everyone can use and enjoy the SOAS Library. 

Our library services team can advise on: 

• Access to and within the Library
• Appropriate contact persons
• Where to obtain further assistance

If you would like to find out more about accessing the library and the services we offer, or have any questions, please get in touch, we're happy to help. 

Please contact library@soas.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)207 898 4163 if you need assistance with completing the library membership form.  

If library resources do not meet your needs it may be possible for us to provide alternative formats, including coloured paper and screen overlays. 

Contact your librarian for more information.

Assistance dogs are welcome, please feel free to ask us for drinking water for the dog. There is a grassy area immediately outside the building which can be used for toileting, if necessary. Please pick up after your animal where applicable.  

SOAS requires documentation certifying the dog’s completed training from an accredited organisation. If you're unsure or require more information please consult our policy which is available on our Policies and Procedures page. 

Library borrowers can request books in advance, and our team will find the books and move them to a more accessible location. 

This service is available to all borrowers with an SIP, and can be particularly helpful it any of our materials are in locations that are not accessible, or if somebody is finding our classification schemes hard to understand. 

Our staff can offer a one-to-one orientation tour of the SOAS Library to help familiarise you with the Library. Prospective students with accessibility needs who have been offered a place at SOAS are welcome to book an appointment before enrolment.

Orientation tours can be offered at any time of the year. Please contact the Library team by email to arrange an appointment.

When you book an appointment to view material from our Special Collections, you will be asked to request the material you require, and it will be fetched for you to use in the Reading Room