Sensory Guide: Main Library
The Main Library at the University of St Andrews is open to all staff and students, offering a variety of social and silent study spaces across four floors.
This sensory guide highlights key sensory aspects of the library to support comfortable navigation.
The Main Library is located just off North Street, St Andrews (KY16 9TR).
Entrance
Visual 👁
- Natural light and large windows
Audio 👂
- Busy area, especially during class changeover
- Potential noise from talking, hand dryers, and café equipment
Smell 👃
- Potential food smells
Franki’s Café (Level 2)
Visual 👁
- Mix of natural and overhead fluorescent lighting
- Several seating options: padded benches, hard chairs, and high chairs
Audio 👂
- Can get very crowded during peak times
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Seating arrangements allow varying personal space depending on location
Main Library Area
Level 2
Visual 👁
- Mixed social and study area
- Options for natural light at seats near windows
- Wide range of seating types
Audio 👂
- Busy and noisy during transfer times
- Carpeted floors help dampen sound of footsteps
Level 1
Visual 👁
- Overhead fluorescent lighting with limited natural light from windows on one side and postgraduate study area
- Desks with individual lamps
- Busy, patterned carpet
- Mixed individual and group study areas with variety of seating types
Audio 👂
- Carpeted floors help dampen footsteps
Levels 3 & 4 (Silent Study Floors)
Visual 👁
- Bright overhead fluorescent lighting, which flickers
- Windows on all sides of the building provide natural light
Audio 👂
- Busy patterned carpet muffles sounds of people and chairs
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Silent study floors, no food allowed
Assistive Technology Room
Visual 👁
- Patterned carpet, ceiling has broken and stained panels
- Main overhead light can be switched off
Audio 👂
- Ticking clock and noisy fan
- Rarely busy
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Spacious enough for assistive technology use
Contemplation Room
Visual 👁
- 2 chairs, 2 mini couches, and a bean bag chair
- Sign outside to indicate if the room is vacant or engaged
Audio 👂
- Not soundproof, but provides a quieter space for relaxation
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Fidget toys and puzzles available for tactile engagement
Address:
Main Library
Just off North Street
St Andrews, KY16 9TR