CUHK Library is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment to help users make the most of our collections, services and spaces. In support of this commitment, we work closely with the Office of Student Affairs and the Information Technology Services Centre to offer a range of academic support facilities and services to users with specific needs.
Students with Special Educational Needs
Full-time CUHK undergraduate and postgraduate students with special educational needs (SEN) are encouraged to self-report their SEN to the university through registration with the SEN Service of Office of Student Affairs after their admission to allow timely arrangement of necessary support services. Details about the SEN Service Registration can be found here: https://wacc.osa.cuhk.edu.hk/sen-service/sen-service-registration/
Library Users with Specific Needs
CUHK Library provides a range of facilities and services to users with specific needs in locating information, retrieving materials, accessing services and using library facilities. If needed, users with specific needs may approach staff at any service counter, or in person, or email (library@cuhk.edu.hk) the Library User Services with any feedback regarding accessibility. We welcome suggestions for further reasonable adjustments.
Accessibility Services
- Paging / Bookstacks Assistance
The Library provides paging / bookstacks assistance to support users who may have difficulty accessing library materials due to mobility or other needs. Upon request, items available in the library collections can be retrieved and prepared for convenient collection.To request this service, please provide key details such as the title, author, call number, barcode and preferred pickup location. Providing sufficient and accurate information will help ensure that materials can be located efficiently and made available for collection in a timely manner.
- Library Card for Assistants / Carers
Library Card will be arranged for the assistants or carers of users who are physically disadvantaged or with other specific needs. For arrangement, please email (library@cuhk.edu.hk) the Library User Services in advance of your visit.
- Service Animals
Users accompanied by service dogs trained to support their access or specific needs, such as guide dogs or hearing dogs, may enter and use the Library with their service dogs in accordance with Campus Regulations.
- Mobile Navigation Support: “CityGeni” App
The CityGeni mobile app, jointly developed with the Hong Kong Blind Union, is available to support visually impaired users and others in accessing Library facilities through verbal and visual instructions. To download the App, please visit [App Store] / [Google Play].
- Alternative Format Reading Materials
Where a user is unable to use printed materials, the Library may, where appropriate, provide content in alternative formats to support learning needs. Users are encouraged to contact the Library User Services by email (library@cuhk.edu.hk) as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made in a timely manner.
- Copying / Printing / Scanning
Copying, printing, and scanning services are available upon request and will be provided in accordance with the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance. Users are encouraged to submit a list of required materials in advance. Subject to feasibility, scanned copies may be delivered by email, while printed materials can be prepared for collection or campus delivery, as appropriate. Charges for printing and copying will be applied in accordance with advertised charges for self-service use.
- Tailored Library Tours and Orientations
The Library offers familiarisation tours of accessible facilities and tailored orientations for CUHK students with SEN upon request. Please contact the Library User Services by email (library@cuhk.edu.hk) for arrangement.
Accessible Facilities
Availability of Accessible Facilities by Library Locations
| Accessible Facilities | UL | CCL | NAL | UCL | MEL | ARL | LAW | LRC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABBYY FineReader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Accessible Entry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accessible Lift | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Accessible Toilet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓* | ✓ | ✓* |
| Accessible Water Dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* | ✓ | |
| Braille Printer with PC & Scanner | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Copier Accessibility Handle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Flipper / Telesensory Magnifier | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Induction Loop System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Lifting Platform | ✓ | |||||||
| Page Turner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| PC with JAWS, EasyDots and BRITE | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Accessible Computer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Accessible Table | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
* MEL users can make use of accessible toilets at the Prince of Wales Hospital; ARL users can make use of accessible toilets and accessible water dispenser inside the Lee Shau Kee Architecture Building; LRC users can make use of accessible toilets at the Bank of America Tower.
- ABBYY FineReader (ALL libraries, except LRC)
ABBYY FineReader provides Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function, to recognize and convert the scanned words into readable texts.
- Accessible Entry (ALL libraries)
All libraries are wheelchair accessible. Barrier free automatic doors are available at the University Library, the New Asia College Ch’ien Mu Library and the United College Wu Chung Library. An intercom is also available outside Chung Chi College Elisabeth Luce Moore Library for users to call for assistance and arrange special entry for wheelchair users.
- Accessible Lift (ALL libraries, except MEL and ARL)
Accessible Lift provides access to all floors for disabled users in the Library.
- Accessible Toilet (UL, CCL, NAL, UCL and Law Library)
Accessible toilets are available inside the University Library, Chung Chi College Library, New Asia College Library, United College Library and Law Library. Medical Library (MEL) users can make use of accessible toilets at the Prince of Wales Hospital; Architecture Library (ARL) users can make use of accessible toilets at Lee Shau Kee Architecture Building; Legel Resources Centre (LRC) users can make use of accessible toilets at the Bank of America Tower.
- Accessible Water Dispenser (ALL libraries, except ARL* and LRC)
Accessible water dispensers are designed with convenient height to enable wheelchair users to use it with ease.
(* Accessible water dispenser is available inside the Lee Sau Kee Architecture Building.)
- Braille Printer and Scanner (CCL and UCL)
PC connected with printer, Braille printer and scanner is available to visually impaired users.
- Copier Accessibility Handle (ALL libraries, except LRC)
Copier Accessibility Handle enables wheelchair users to open and close automatic document feeder of a multi-function printer safely.
- Flipper / Telesensory Magnifier (CCL and NAL)
Flipper / Telesensory Magnifier can magnify anything that fits on the viewing table, enables users with low vision to read and write.
- Induction Loop System (ALL libraries, except ARL and LRC).
Induction loop system is available for people with hearing impairment and is able to amplify sounds for individuals wearing hearing aids.
- Lifting Platform (ARL)
Lifting Platform provides access to all floors for wheelchair users in Architecture Library.
- Page Turner (CCL, MEL and ARL)
Page Turners are available to support users who may have difficulty turning pages manually.
- JAWS (ALL libraries, except LRC)
JAWS provides speech technology that works with Windows operating system to provide access to popular software applications and the Internet.
- EasyDots and BRITE (ALL libraries, except LRC)
EasyDots is a Cantonese Braille input for visually impaired to type Chinese text accurately and efficiently with a computer. BRITE performs two-way instant translation between Braille and regular text for printing in Braille.
- Accessible Computer (ALL libraries, except LRC)
Accessible computer terminals are available for wheelchair users.
- Accessible Table (ALL libraries, except LRC)
Accessible Table allows wheelchair users to adjust its height to a comfortable level for use.
Website Accessibility
Library’s website is designed to support all users and has been certified under the Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme. It incorporates recognized accessibility features and user-friendly visual design that support equitable access to information. If you experience a barrier when using our web spaces, please let us know.
Continual Review and Enhancement
CUHK Library is committed to improving the accessibility of its services, facilities, and support to remove barriers that may prevent students, staff or visitors from making the most of our services. We welcome users’ comments and suggestions as part of our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and accessible library environment. For feedback on accessible facilities and services, please contact:
