There will be no walk-in access to study spaces or PCs from 25 November until January 2023. Book request collection and returns and bookable browsing access to print collections will be available throughout, subject to limited access to sequences in the main reading room in line with health and safety considerations. Please be aware that there may be noise and disruption throughout this time.
Western Bank Library will re-open to students in January 2023. The Special Collections, Heritage and Archives Reading Room will remain open as usual throughout the period.
We provide alternative study spaces in addition to the Information Commons, the Diamond and the Health Sciences Library. Click here to learn more.
You may find it useful to locate or book a PC to access a University computer on campus.
For the most up-to-date information from Estates and Facilities Management (EFM), please visit the dedicated project page.
Access to collections
Books will be available to request through StarPlus as normal and can be collected from the ground floor of Western Bank Library between 9am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday. It will still be possible to return items to Western Bank Library during this time, but as always library books may be returned to any site.
There will be 10 bookable slots available each morning and afternoon for browsing of collections for research purposes. Booking for these slots will be available via the . As part of the booking process, we will ask users to specify which areas they are interested in consulting. The areas accessible to users will change during the project and staff will contact users with bookings if changes affect them.
Opening times
The ground floor of Western Bank Library will be available for the collection of requests, return of items and consultation bookings between 9am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday.
The Royal Hallamshire Hospital Health Sciences Library will be open 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am–9pm Saturday and Sunday. All services here will operate as normal.
External members
Western Bank Library spaces will not be accessible to external members during this period. However, external borrowers can request items from the collection as normal and collect them from the ground floor at Western Bank Library.
External readers wishing to consult items from the collection at Western Bank Library can request for them to be moved to Royal Hallamshire Hospital for consultation. Royal Hallamshire Hospital Health Sciences Library will be open to externals as normal and provides an alternative space.
Collection of membership cards will still be available from Western Bank Library, during the times listed.
The Library will offer any paying members who paid for membership before the announcement of the restricted access an extension to their membership that covers the restricted access period.
Interlibrary lending
Physical interlibrary loans that are supplied with permission to be issued to borrowers will be available for collection at both Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Western Bank Library. As with requests, they will be available to collect from Western Bank Library 9am–4:45pm, Monday to Friday.
Physical interlibrary loans that have been supplied for use in library use only, will be available to consult at Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
How can I order books not currently available through the University Library?
Please use the to request items that are not currently available.
Special Collections and NFCA
Information about our collections and booking to visit our reading room is available on our web pages.
Reading room opening times for bookable sessions
Monday: 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4pm
Tuesday: 10.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4pm
Wednesday: 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4pm
Thursday: 10am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–4pm
We are not able to accept walk-in visitors, all sessions must be booked and confirmed in advance. We are only accepting individual bookings only during these hours (unless a carer is required). Please contact us to discuss group bookings.
How to book a session for the reading room
If you wish to book a session, contact us at lib-special@sheffield.ac.uk.
Please book your visit at least three working days in advance.
You will need to agree on the list of material to be consulted with Special Collections or the National Fairground and Circus Archive. We will email you a consultation/booking form that needs to be completed ahead of your visit.
You can find out more about our collections on our Discover Our Archives database.
If possible, please bring your own fully charged laptop if required. The PCs in the reading room will only be available to consult digital/microfilm/microfiche material that is not available online.
Attending your booked session
Please check in at the ground floor reception area. A member of staff will escort you to the reading room.
If you need to change your booking or the material which you wish to look through, please email us as soon as possible on lib-special@sheffield.ac.uk.
Please bring your UCard or other evidence of identity.
Notices that may affect your visit
During the summer, there will be some noise in the building due to contractors working towards the refurbishment of the library. We apologise for any inconvenience during your visit.
Due to the ongoing building works and potential short-term closure of the library, we may need to cancel your booking at short notice.
For international visitors booking for the reading room. we may require more advanced notifications of bookings – up to two weeks.