Magnification
Information about magnification equipment available in libraries and Assistive Technology Rooms (ATR).
Video Magnifiers
A video magnifier allows someone to take a standard hard copy text and magnify it to a preferred size. The user places the journal or book on the movable reading table, beneath the built-in camera. The camera then relays the picture to the magnifier screen and the user is able to adjust the size, background colour and so on to suit their requirements.
This is particularly useful for someone with a visual impairment but can also be useful for someone researching from very small print for example.
We have three video magnifiers.
George Green Library magnifier
This magnifier is located in the Assistive Technology Room in George Green Library. It has the added functionality of text to speech. This means that you can put a book on the reading table and either see it magnified on screen, or listen to the text as audio.
Model
Prodigi 24 inch screen electronic magnifier
Specification
- Line view or column view
- Text to speech
- up to 80 times magnification
- Full colour and 16 high contrast full colour modes
Instructions for use can be found in the ATR
Hallward Library magnifier
The use of this magnifier is not restricted and can be used by anyone accessing Hallward Library
Model
Optelec Clearview Video Magnifier with 19" TFT
Specification
- Continuous zoom magnification
- Use for reading and writing using high contrast text modes:
- Positive mode - black-text-on-white
- Negative mode - white-text-on-black
- Easy-glide, ultra-low reading table which can be fixed at the press of a button
- Fully adjustable image control for brightness and contrast
- 19-inch widescreen
- Colour
Djanogly Learning Resource Centre magnifier
The use of this magnifier is restricted to those using the ATR in the Djanogly Learning and Resource Centre (DLRC) on Jubilee Campus.
This magnifier model and specification is as follows:
Model
Optelec ClearView+ Colour Video Magnifier with 22" TFT and Advanced Feature Pack
Specification
- Continuous zoom magnification
- Full auto-focus (including focus lock)
- One-button control View images and paper documents
- Use for reading and writing using high contrast text modes:
- Positive mode - black-text-on-white
- Negative mode - white-text-on-black
- Easy-glide, ultra-low reading table which can be fixed at the press of a button
- Fully adjustable image control for brightness and contrast
- 22-inch widescreen
- Colour
Advanced feature pack
- Position locator
- 16 selectable foreground and background semi-colour combinations
- Adjustable line markers and window blinds
Instructions for use
Instructions for how to use this magnifier are kept in hard copy in the ATR. Alternative formats of the instructions are available on request by emailing UI-AlternativeFormat@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
Portable Electronic Magnifier
We have three portable electronic magnifiers. These are similar to the video magnifiers in that a camera takes a picture of something and then displays it on a screen, the image can then be adjusted for size. However, these magnifiers are portable meaning that they can be used anywhere in the library.
They have detachable cameras so although particularly useful for someone with a visual impairment to magnify printed information, they might also be useful for someone who wanted to look at classmarks on books on bottom shelves but couldn't bend down fully to see them. They would just need to detach the camera, reach down to scan the book and the image would be displayed on the screen.
Locations
The cameras are located in libraries on all three campuses:
You can borrow a magnifier from the Lending Desk in the above libraries. Please just ask a member of staff.
About the Portable Electronic Magnifier
Model
Bierley Shoppa
Specification
- 7" screen
- Portability
- Full colour
- Non glare screen
- Brightness and Contrast controls
- Variable optical magnification
- 4 hours battery life
- Optional spare battery pack
- Multi-Function - Carry it, Stand it, Lay it down
- Reading, writing or just looking
- CE Approved Instructions for use
Assistive Hardware