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10/16/2025
green libraries campaign graphic
Introduction

Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer and each year a theme is chosen to explore the innovative and surprising things that libraries are doing to support their communities.

This year's Libraries Week is focusing on Green Libraries which celebrates the ongoing work in libraries across the UK focusing on sustainability and climate change.

You can find out more about Libraries Week here.

The Green Libraries Partnership

The Green Libraries Partnership was developed by Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals [CILIP] in response to COP26 and the long-term climate commitments made by libraries and local authorities across England. We have signed up to the Green Libraries Manifesto.

As libraries we occupy a place at the heart of the communities we serve. Through this manifesto, we want to come together towards a shared vision: to lead by example through our own environmental actions and use our power and reach to inform and inspire people to take positive action and build resilience in the diverse communities we serve. We recognise the diversity of our sector which is why this is an inclusive initiative for all libraries to help them make the changes they can, with the resources they have.

 

Libraries week at Sheffield University Library

We’ve gathered together resources across our entire collection including books, articles and recordings to create our Climate Emergency Collection and we’re inviting you to jump in and explore, read and discover what’s inside.

The collection is divided into five themes reflecting the myriad aspects of the climate emergency.

  • Climate science - climatology, extreme weather and natural disasters, greenhouse gases and control of, habitat loss and ecological damage.

  • Sustainability - includes areas such as architecture and urban planning, transport and logistics, farming and food, manufacturing, renewable energy and energy efficiency, retail and business.

  • Sustainable living - resources on ways to reduce personal and societal environmental impact.

  • Climate change - artistic responses - contains literature, visual arts and film, and television responses to climate change.

  • Climate change - political responses - includes government and international policy, activism and climate change disinformation.

Our picks

We've chosen a small selection to get you started, these books are a good starting point in anyone's journey to understand the climate emergency and take action to make meaningful changes.

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe
Hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. We need to find shared values in order to connect our unique identities to collective action. This is not another doomsday narrative about a planet on fire. It is a multi-layered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field—recently named chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy.

How the World Really Works: A Scientist's Guide to Our Past, Present and Future by Vaclav Smil
This book explains seven of the most fundamental realities governing our survival and prosperity. From energy and food production, through our material world and its globalization, to risks, our environment and its future, How the World Really Works offers a much-needed reality check - because before we can tackle problems effectively, we must understand the facts.

What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care by Elizabeth Cripps
Philosopher Elizabeth Cripps approaches climate justice not just as an abstract idea but as something that should motivate us all. Using clear reasoning and poignant examples, starting from irrefutable science and uncontroversial moral rules, she explores our obligations to each other and to the non-human world, unravels the legacy of colonialism and entrenched racism, and makes the case for immediate action.

How to Save Our Planet: The Facts by Professor Mark Maslin
An important book for anyone who wants to learn more about the climate emergency and what action we can take. Professor Mark Maslin has the key facts that we need to protect our future. Global awareness of climate change is growing rapidly and science has proven that our planet and species are facing a massive environmental crisis. How to Save Our Planet is a call to action, guaranteed to equip everyone with the knowledge needed to make change.

Read, watch, learn and be informed

We encourage you to explore the collection and learn for yourself about the climate emergency the world is facing. You can also recommend to us a resource which you think should be part of the Climate Emergency Collection, you can do so by filling in this form.

And finally, as Professor Mark Maslin said to us when he visited:

"...talk about climate change. The first and most important thing you can do is talk about climate change to everyone. The greatest challenge in the history of our species should not be a taboo subject. We need new solutions, new social structures and new economics to solve this crisis. So talk about climate change. Share the ideas, as just one idea shared with one of your friends or relatives will start the conversation rolling."
10/09/2025

Photo of Kate Salinsky I’m Kate – an Academic Skills Adviser in the Library's Skills Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. In my role, I support students to develop their study skills, boost their confidence and find individualised ways to tackle their assignments that actually work for them.

I know from experience that sometimes studying at university doesn’t go as planned. Stuff happens, life gets in the way, or you find that you weren’t prepared for the demands of your course for any one of a number of reasons. But you’ve decided to keep going and give it another go. Well done! This is a brave step and was likely not an easy decision, and you might be wondering what can help things be different this year.

Over the years, I have successfully worked with many students who, like you, needed to repeat a module or a whole year of study. I want you to know that we can support you to turn things around and be successful this year, like this second-year apprentice dietitian student who gave this feedback:

“Kate’s guidance has helped my writing style develop immensely, and she has taught me invaluable strategies for finding information, working things out, and using tools effectively for assignments. Without her support, I genuinely don't think I would still be on the course today.”

How we can help:

  • You can book an appointment with a specialist adviser like me. We can work on a specific assignment or plan how to approach your studies differently, giving you immediate, practical strategies to improve your skills and confidence.
     
  • You can attend or watch a webinar on planning and productivity, academic writing, referencing, reflective writing, and critical thinking. After sessions, we share links to other helpful resources.
     
  • You can use our self-help materials, which include practical examples, exercises, and tips for developing your academic skills.

Where to start?

If you’re unsure where to start, take our Skills Check. It’s quick, helps you identify your priorities, and gives you a personal action plan for developing your study skills.

My three top tips for being successful in your academic journey:

  1. When you find ways of studying and writing that work for you, it’s much easier to be successful.
  2. Treat setbacks as learning opportunities. It can take time to understand what’s expected at university.
  3. Use the services and support early. Students often tell us they wish they’d accessed the Skills Centre sooner!

Get in touch:

I’m glad you’ve decided to persevere with your studies, and I genuinely believe you can succeed. Sometimes it’s less important to know the answers than to know who can help you find them — that’s what the Library’s Skills Centre is here for.

Our team look forward to supporting you. Use the links in this blog or browse our website. You can also email us at skillscentre@shu.ac.uk.

Best wishes for the year ahead!

Kate Salinsky
Academic Skills Adviser

10/09/2025
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Black History Month 2025

Black History Month UK provides great opportunities to reflect on the key moments in history and today’s society. It’s important to celebrate the contributions of everyone to our communities and to support the multiculturalism and diversity that shapes them. It can highlight any inequalities that Black people are facing, and work towards shaping a better future for all.

This year, the theme of Black History Month in the UK is reclaiming narratives. The theme of reclaiming narratives focuses on sharing stories of Black history and culture, as well as correcting historical inaccuracies.
This includes less well-known and untold stories, as well as stories about famous historical figures. Listening to these stories, and learning about historical figures and their achievements, can inspire the younger generation to dream big.

Our Reading List

In partnership with the Library and Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union, a new reading list has been curated. We have a range of books, articles, audio-visual content, and webpages that celebrate and explore themes related to Black History Month. All the resources listed are in the Hallam Library collections and are available to borrow for free by Sheffield Hallam University students and staff.

The list has been divided into different themes that will help you to explore narratives, social history, academic texts and fiction aimed at all age ranges.

Explore our reading list Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride 

Black History Month Website 

The Black History Month website is an incredibly rich and extensive source. The site is continually updated with new articles, events and information.

Read Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE introduction to this year's theme, Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride..

The theme for this year’s Black History Month, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” has sparked conversation — and in some cases, questions. “What power?” some have asked, suggesting doubt about the influence the Black community holds today.

Hallam Student Union  

The student union is a great place to discover more about Black History Month showcasing events throughout the month at venues across Sheffield. They've also listed a number of Black-owned businesses in our region, links to further reading, books & TV and student societies.

Discover the Student Union events 

09/26/2025

All new students are warmly invited to the first session of the Assignment Bootcamp: an online programme designed to walk you through the process of planning, writing and successfully submitting your first assignment of the academic year.

Led by expert academic skills advisors in the Library, these sessions demystify the writing process and provide practical tips and strategies for academic writing at Sheffield Hallam. Here are the details:

  • Session title: Planning for Success
  • Dates and times: Multiple sessions, 7th–9th October.
  • How to join: Check your emails for an invitation from the Skills Centre.

What will the session cover?

The Planning for Success session covers strategies for maintaining productivity and motivation, managing multiple deadlines alongside other commitments, and an overview of the key steps needed to get started on any assessed piece of work.

What will I gain from attending?

  • A step-by-step guide on how to tackle your first university assignment at a UK university, from getting organised to gathering research and writing a critical argument.
  • Insight into what your markers are looking for, and what makes a first-class assignment.
  • A chance to ask questions, share your ideas, and connect with other postgraduate students.

What if I can’t make this date/time?

If you can’t make this time, or prefer to study from a video resource, you can sign up to receive a recorded version of the session using our online form.

What are the other sessions in the bootcamp?

Following this session, you’ll also have the option to attend two additional webinars: Structure and Synthesis and Becoming a Critical Writer. These sessions run once per month from October to December, so you can choose from a range of dates and times.

We’ll share more details on this in the first session, or you can get ahead and book a place now on your preferred sessions.

09/01/2025

Starting university is exciting, but it also means getting used to new ways of studying. Our Essential Skills for Academic Success induction module is here to help you get off to a confident start.

 

This short, 30-minute interactive module has tailored paths depending on your level of study, so whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, you’ll find what’s most relevant to you.

You’ll:

  • Discover the key academic skills you’ll need at university, and which ones to focus on first.
  • Spot your strengths and find any gaps so you can build from what you already do well.
  • Get practical tips and strategies you can put into action straight away.

You’ll also find out more about the Library’s Skills Centre – your go-to place for online sessions, skills bootcamps and one-to-one support throughout your time at university.

Take half an hour now and give yourself a head start so you can feel ready to make the most of your uni experience! You can access the module as soon as you have access to your university emails.

 

Starting university is a significant milestone - and the summer before you enrol is a crucial time!

As an incoming student you have free access to this Skills for Study online module - Getting Ready for Academic Study.

This will help you prepare ahead of your first few weeks at university. 

 

The module includes:

  •  Academic study preparation hints and tips
  • Strategies for studying and what to expect from university
  • Videos and reflections from students who have made the move
  • Downloadable checklists and planning tools

 

 

You can access the module here using your personal email address:

 

https://go.shu.ac.uk/skillready

 

 

And then don't forget to register using your university email address when you enrol in September to access the other modules to help develop your study skills!

07/23/2025

 

Meet Ella who joined us in Adsetts library for her summer work experience program.

Attending Hope Valley College, Ella is studying geography, English and drama.

" I’m mainly interested in art and would like to do something creative after I’ve left school. I’ve considered going into special effects make-up and theatre make-up as it combines my two favourite subjects – drama and art."

During her time with us, Ella was introduced to all library teams and got to experience how the library contributes to student success at Sheffield Hallam University. 

From meeting librarians, exploring library spaces, discovering our online resources, learning how a library resource is procured, received and made available for readers to discover as well as seeing how we support students day to day, we wanted to show Ella the full range of work that happens in Library Services. 

We hope Ella enjoyed her time with us and wish them all the success they deserve in the future. 

Many thanks to everyone who organised and contributed to make Ella's work experience happen.


We asked Ella a few questions about their time with us, see below:

Did you have any expectations of the library before you came? 

I wasn’t sure what to expect of the library before I came and it surprised me how many different job roles there are within a library. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your time in Library Services? 

I have enjoyed my time within the library. I mostly enjoyed the creative aspects such as seeing how the websites and Chatbot were created and their purpose, including how they support students. I also found it interesting to learn about the Dewey Decimal System and understand the way books on shelves are arranged – I didn’t know this before. Since I want to study something within art in the future I found it cool that there was a big range of art and fashion journals. 

And in your own words, tell us a little about your time with us! 

I spent time with lots of different parts of the library which was interesting to see something new every day and learn new stuff I hadn’t come across before. I saw different aspects such as organising the books on shelves, logging and scanning the books, delivering the books to students and others, ordering books and writing reports about the books. I also learnt about different ways to support students within the library, how library search and Alma work and how to make student ID cards and manage the IT within the library.


About Library Services 

We support every student to be successful throughout their time at Hallam. We provide information, academic and digital skills sessions; and ensure students have access to the best resources to support their learning, as well as providing a variety of learning spaces to suit different styles of working. We also have 24/7 support available to all our users. 

07/14/2025

library logo

Your Library Online provides access to books, journals, databases, subject support, the Library Skills Centre, and 24/7 Library Chat.

Our two campus libraries are open 24/7 providing a range of learning spaces, including those for individual and group working.

Key points

Using the library buildings over the summer vacation

  • Adsetts and Collegiate libraries are open 24/7 with security staff on duty at all times
  • Please remember your ID card to enter the library
  • Book your learning spaces in advance to guarantee your favourite space
  • Library cafés are closed, but there are vending machines, access to hot water and a microwave, and space to eat your own food
  • Hallam Help points are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

How to get help and support 

  • Library Chat is available 24/7
  • Search the library's FAQs
  • IT & Library support pages on MyHallam
  • 24/7 IT support - 0114 225 3333

 

The Library’s Skills Centre is open over the summer.

What's on

We’re running live webinars until the end of July, and 1–1 appointments are available to help with your assignments or research.
Prefer to study at your own pace? You can access our full range of online resources, including session recordings and digital tools to support editing and proofreading.

Not sure where to start?

Try our quick online skills assessment to get a personalised action plan with recommended resources and sessions.

06/30/2025
Carl Lomax

What?

EBSCOhost - the platform through which you can access over 20 databases

When?

Monday 7 July

Changes?

New interface, new look, same searching power.
This means that these databases will look different, and some of the features available will change.
Make sure you export the contents of your custom folders before the switchover.

Where can I find out more?

Read the EBSCOhost interface guide which will be updated over time: https://tinyurl.com/ebsco2025

 

06/03/2025
Carl Lomax

Pride Month June 2024

Pride Month is a vibrant and inclusive month-long celebration that recognises and honours the LGBTQ+ community, their history and achievements, to acknowledge the challenges and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. Pride Month brings together individuals, organisations, and communities to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrate the progress made towards a more inclusive society.

The History of Pride Month

Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in New York City in June 1969. The uprising was a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparked by a series of protests against police harassment and discrimination. The following year, the first Pride marches were organised to commemorate the anniversary of the uprising.

In the United Kingdom, the first official Pride march took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride Month has grown in significance, with cities across the UK hosting vibrant parades, events, and educational programs throughout June. It serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community and acceptance.

Your library’s LGBTQ+ Network Reading List

Developed in partnership with Hallam LGBTQ+ Network, we’ve gathered together an extensive but not exhaustive range of LGBTQ+ books, journal articles, DVDs, picture books and comics within the library to help you explore narratives, social history, academic texts, fiction and nonfiction, aimed at all age ranges.

Explore the LGBTQ+ Network Reading List

The BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ collection

Here are the pioneers, the iconoclasts, the brave - from landmark LGBTQIA+ portraits to the next generation of queer classics from the BFI Flare festival. This collection offers a chance to look back, to revisit and discover - not just the icons of queer cinema but the lesser-known treasures.

Explore the BFI Flare collection 
Students can access of all of the BFI player's content for FREE! Signing up is easy, go to https://player.bfi.org.uk/students and create an account.

Our LGBTQI+ discover collection

Covering a wide range of subjects, including history, queer and gender studies, women's studies, literature, law, health, and social sciences.

Find it on Library Online

The LGBTQ+ Magazine Archive

If you want to delve back in time with vintage publications ranging from 1954 - 2015 take a look the LGBTQ+ Magazine Archive. The collection is an archival run of twenty six of the most influential, longest-running magazine publications covering LGBT interests.

The collection includes the pre-eminent US and UK titles – The Advocate and Gay Times, respectively and chronicles more than six decades of the history and culture of the LGBT community.

Find it here ProQuest LGBTQ+ Magazine Archive

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