Access at the study rooms

The National Art Library is situated on Level 2. The main entrance to the library has two flights of steps.

Accessible route and entrance

An accessible entrance to the library is located in the Design 1900 – Now Gallery (room 76), on Level 2. This entrance is reached by Lift F, located off the Sculpture Gallery (room 21) on Level 0 (the ground floor). To use this entrance, either:

The two reading rooms in the Library are level with a wide central access way.

The Prints & Drawings Study Room and the RIBA Architecture Study Room are on Level 3 of the Henry Cole Wing of the main building and are accessible to all visitors using Lift Y on Level 0. This lift can be reached from the main entrance via Galleries 17 – 20 and Ramp A or the Exhibition Road entrance via the Blavatnik Hall and the exhibition shop.

The entrance into the study rooms is wheelchair accessible with powered doors.

National Art Library

There are two islands of desks in the Centre Room (seat nos. 15 – 26) which are 60 cm high. All other desks are 66 cm high. A height adjustable table is also available.

Prints and Drawings room

Study tables are designed for wheelchair users to use comfortably. There is also a height adjustable table in the RIBA Study Rooms area. This needs to be booked in advance by contacting the study room on +44 (0)20 7942 2563.

Accessible toilets are on levels 0, 1, 2, and 3.

The closest accessible toilets to the National Art Library are on Level 2, off the Silver Galleries (rooms 65 – 70a). Exit the library through room 76.

The closest accessible toilets to the Prints & Drawings Study Room are on Level 0, close to the Exhibition Road Quarter shop.

Find all toilets on the digital map.

The security desk in the Prints and Drawings Study Room is equipped with hearing induction loops. Switch your hearing aid to the 'T' position to use this facility.

The Study Rooms provide free access to desktop computers and some settings can be adapted to suit needs.

The National Art Library has a freestanding 'Twinkle' unit, which magnifies images and text in books and other printed material. Magnifying glasses are also available on request.

You can order books in advance of your visit to the National Art Library through the NAL Catalogue. You can order up to 8 items at a time, but more items can be ordered by disabled visitors readers on request.

If you require help searching for or ordering material using any of the catalogues in the study rooms, please ask staff who will be happy to help you find and order what you need.

At the National Art Library, let us know if you need help carrying items to and from your desk. Staff will be happy to assist you.

At the Prints and Drawings Study Room your materials will be brought to your desk.

The Copyright Act allows the copying of complete works by or for visually impaired persons (VIPs) under certain conditions. VIPs includes those with a physical impairment restricting their ability to hold or manipulate a book.

This applies as long as:

For more information or advice, please speak to Library staff.

The National Art Library has two BookEye 5 scanners where you can make digital copies. If you find it difficult to use the book or microfilm scanners, seek assistance from a member of staff.