Accessibility and disability support

The Library provides inclusive access to its spaces, resources and services. Our staff are here to help you find and use the resources you need.

We offer accessible study spaces, assistive technology and practical support.

Student wearing headphones, holding a phone at the Library information point

Get support

Students needing disability-related support should register with Monash Disability Support Services.

Registration can provide access to:

Adaptive Technology Rooms
digital versions of our resources
55 minute online one-to-one support with a librarian
other support available through the University.

How to get help

Library staff assist staff members, visitors and students with practical access needs. You can get help via:

Our Library information points during opening hours.
Phone: +61 3 9905 5054 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Message our library support team though MoVA.

For more complex access requests or other support, email the Library Disability Support team.

You do not need to explain or disclose your disability to ask Library staff for help.

Student getting help at the library information point

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Library recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This is a discreet way for people to indicate that they may need extra time, patience or support. Sunflower pins, lanyards and wristbands are available for free at Disability Support Services for staff and students with hidden disabilities.

Find out about how we celebrate and support neurodiversity.

Accessible study spaces

The Library provides different study environments that support a range of access and sensory needs. The spaces vary across our libraries. Contact Library staff if you need help identifying a suitable study space. Browse our range of spaces:

Couch seating in the Matheson Library 24/7 space on Clayton campus

Hushpod, a bookable silent working space at Hargrave Andrews Library on Clayton campus

Silent workspaces are provided across most libraries

Resting space at the Matheson Library, Clayton campus

Adaptive technology room at the Matheson Library on Clayton campus

Low sensory space at Hargrave Andrews Library on Clayton campus

Spaces across our libraries include:
- quiet and silent study areas
- Adaptive Technology Rooms
- resting facilities at selected locations
- a low-sensory study space at Hargrave-Andrew Library and Peninsula
Our low-sensory spaces include:
- lowered lighting
- frosted glass
- sensory items
- a choice of furniture.

Adaptive Technology Rooms (ATRs)

Book an Adaptive Technology Room

ATRs are available to eligible students registered with Monash Disability Support Services.

Rooms can be booked for up to three hours per day. A support person may accompany you during your booking.

Book an Adaptive Technology Room

Adaptive technology rooms can be booked on the Library website or via the QR code at the door

ATR room details, assistive technology and equipment

Our Adaptive Technology Rooms are available at:
- Caulfield Library
- Hargrave-Andrew Library (Clayton campus)
- Law Library (Clayton campus)
- Matheson Library (Clayton campus)
- Peninsula Library.
Room features vary by location and may include:
- height-adjustable desks
- computers, hub monitors and standard Monash software
- assistive software
- couches or resting facilities
- a bed in the Matheson ATR room.
Check the booking information for your preferred location and to confirm which facilities and software are available.
During Library opening hours, our staff can provide help to use available technology and equipment. Depending on the location, Library facilities include:
- NVDA screen-reading software
- Microsoft 365 with Immersive Reader
- EndNote
- an Everest Braille embosser and Duxbury Braille translation software at Matheson Library
- book magnifiers at Matheson Library
- lightweight book trolleys at Australian Library branches
Monash Google Workspace tools include accessibility features. This can help with reading, writing, navigation and content access.
See the eSolutions accessibility information for guidance on available tools and features.

Help to access Library resources

Librarian getting books from top shelf Library staff can provide practical help with accessing physical resources and services, including:

retrieving books and other items from shelves
scanning or digitising physical Library materials
helping you make or change an Adaptive Technology Room booking
helping you access assistive technology and equipment
identifying a suitable Library space or service.

Accessible versions of textbooks, readings or electronic resources

We work with Monash Disability Support Services (DSS), publishers and teaching staff to ensure students can access resources in a format that meets their needs.

Many online resources already include accessibility features. When they don't, DSS works with us to arrange accessible versions of eligible materials from our collections, including book chapters, journal articles and other print materials. Accessible versions are typically provided in two business days.

Our commitment

Monash University Library is committed to providing equitable access to our services, collections, spaces and programs. Through our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, we are working to create a Library where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to succeed.

We welcome feedback on any aspect of accessibility or inclusion. Whether you’d like to share a positive experience, suggest an improvement, or let us know about a barrier you’ve encountered. We’d love to hear from you.