Library Service Blog

Support from the Library and Skills Centre over the festive break

Whether you are in Sheffield or elsewhere, the Library and Skills Centre is here to support you over the festive break. 

Key points:

• The libraries are open 24/7
• If you want to study in the library, you can book your learning space in advance
• Access many resources online wherever you are, including ebooks, using Library Search
• Library Chat available 24/7
• Studiosity available to all students 24/7 for online assignment feedback
• Plan for 2023 and take the online Skills Check

Using the library over the festive break

• Adsetts and Collegiate libraries are open 24/7 with security staff on duty at all times
• Please remember your SHUcard to enter the library
• Book your learning spaces in advance to guarantee your favourite space
• Library cafés will be closed, but there are vending machines, access to hot water and a microwave, and space to eat your own food
• Hallam Help points will close on Friday 23rd December and reopen Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 9am
• Free hot water and tea and coffee over the festive break plus access to a microwave

• We're hosting board games events in Adsetts library over the festive period on 26, 28, 29 & 31 December - open to everyone

Borrowing from the library 

• Self-service borrowing is available in both libraries 24/7
• Borrowing due dates are extended until Wednesday 4th January
• Anything borrowed between Saturday 10th December and Wednesday 28th December will be automatically renewed on Wednesday 4th January unless recalled
• If any items have been recalled you’ll receive an email with instructions about what to do
• No items will be due back between Saturday 17th December and Wednesday 4th January
• Full details can be found here

Making the most of your library off-campus

• Search for and discover resources online using Library Search
• See the dedicated guide Making the most of your library off-campus

The Library Skills Centre have most [but not all] of the following services available over the festive break.

Studiosity

• Get written feedback or chat to a Studiosity writing tutor
• You can obtain written feedback on a sample of your work within a day or two of uploading it to Studiosity’s Online Writing Feedback Service
• You can also use the Connect Live service to chat online with a Studiosity writing tutor 24/7

Online resources

• Our online resources include study guides from the Skills Centre, the interactive Skills for Study package, and additional resources from the Maths and Stats team and the University English Scheme
• You can access recordings of Skills Centre webinars, including our recent Assignment Bootcamp, at any time libguides.shu.ac.uk/skills/resources

Plan for 2023

• Complete or revisit our Essential Skills for Academic Success e-module to refresh your academic skills knowledge or create a personal study plan for the new year with the SkillsCheck
• You can also check our What’s On guide to see the webinars, feedback seminars, one to ones, and drop-ins recommencing from 4th January

Talk to an adviser

• Staff from the Library's Skills Centre offer advice via our one-to-one appointments and our Wednesday Virtual Drop-ins
• Explore the different options about how you can talk to an adviser
• Our last drop-in of the year will be Wednesday 14th December
• The Skills Centre is closed from Friday 23rd December 4pm - Tuesday 3rd January 9am

How to get help and support

• 24/7 support via chat for library help
• Skills Centre 24/7 writing feedback service online via Studiosity
• 24/7 Library IT support - 0114 225 2222
• Hallam Help and Library Services return on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 9am