The Library isn’t just somewhere you can get books. It’s somewhere you can do your work on your own or with others, escape sensory overload and get some help with studying. The libraries across UHI North, West and Hebrides offer a wide range of resources, spaces, and support to help you succeed in your studies. With 19 different centres, each library is unique, and services may vary depending on your location, level, and mode of study. This section introduces the library services available to you, both in person and online, and helps you find the support that best fits your needs.

For autistic students, the library can bring certain challenges. In-person, sensory factors such as lighting, noise, or busy spaces can feel overwhelming, and unfamiliar layouts can make it difficult to find resources or approach staff for help. Because UHI North, West and Hebrides has 19 different centres, the library experience may vary from place to place. Online resources, while flexible and convenient, can also present barriers. Complex websites, multiple logins, and dense information can make it hard to know where to start.

This post aims to make these experiences easier to navigate. It will guide you through how the library works, both online and on campus, and highlight the support, tools, and people available to help you make the most of what the library offers. With clear information and the right adjustments, the library can be a calm, welcoming, and empowering place to learn.

Many students in the Autism&Uni surveys mentioned the library as somewhere they really enjoyed being, whether they needed some quiet space to get away from it all or find some help or just to get some work done.

Details of locations of all our libraries can be found here: UHI Libraries – Your Local Library – LibGuides at University of the Highlands and Islands.

You will notice when you visit the site there is online chat function, which is very helpful for asking any questions. It also has contact details for each of the individual centres if you need to make an appointment with someone in advance.

When you visit your local library you can ask for a library induction if you haven’t already had one, and they will explain the layout of the library, and the rules around using different spaces in the library.

For any help and support on using library services click here. You will find video guides and library search tools.

Searching for resources

The Library Search link can be used to find resources across all our centres.  You are able to request an item no matter which centre it is in, and it will be posted to your local centre.  It is important to make sure you are logged in when using this function, otherwise you won’t get access to all the resources.

You can search for resources specific to your modules or course by inserting your course or module in this search. 

You can use this link to search for online resources: https://uhi.on.worldcat.org/atoztitles/search#journal

• Are there particular sensory triggers (like noise, lighting, or smells) you might want to plan for when visiting a library?

• Would you find it helpful to know the layout of the library before you visit (e.g., maps, photos, or virtual tours)?

• How do you prefer to get help – face to face, by email, chat, or guides and videos?

• Are there certain times of day when the library feels calmer or easier to use?

• Have you looked at what online resources are available so you can access materials from home if needed?

• Would you benefit from setting up a quick chat with library staff to learn what support or quiet spaces are available at your centre?