How to find the libraries on campus

There are two libraries, Adsetts library on City campus and Collegiate library on Collegiate campus.

The libraries are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide you with flexible learning spaces to support your independent study.

Here are pictures of the entrances to the libraries to help you spot our buildings when you are on campus.

This is Collegiate Library:

This is Adsetts Library:

Things to do before you visit the Library for the first time

We appreciate that new spaces and buildings, volume of people and noise levels and new services and procedures to navigate can be challenging. Rest assured, the Library is here to help you and here are a few things to do to make those first visits as straightforward as possible.

Things to do before you visit the Library for the first time

• Before you come to the Library for the first time, take a look at the Access Able guide for either Adsetts or Collegiate Library to help you familiarise yourself with the space and layout.
• This is optional but you may want to book the study space you want to use before you arrive at the library.
• Make sure you have your SHUcard as you will need to use it to access the building using the swipe gates.

Fire safety for disabled students

What is a PEEP?

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) provides information to people who cannot get themselves out of a building unaided during an emergency situation. The PEEP is now online and will be assigned to you should we be informed you need a PEEP.

A PEEP is most applicable to individuals with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users and individuals who use walking sticks or crutches. It could also include individuals with visual impairment.

What to do if the fire alarm sounds

If the fire alarm is continuous, you must get out of the building via the nearest exit. Please familiarise yourself with the exits in the buildings you will be using.

If the alarm is intermittent (City campus only) you do not have to leave the building, but it may be worth leaving the building in case it becomes continuous.

If you can get out of the building (even if this is slowly) please do so:

• Do NOT use any lifts,
• Wait until most people have left, then begin to use the stairs,
• Go to the assembly point (fire information signs on corridors will tell you where this is),

If you cannot get out, such as if you cannot use the stairs:

• Do NOT use any lifts.
• Go to the nearest refuge - usually at the top of stairs or in a lift lobby.
• Let someone responsible know you are there e.g. a member of staff. Ask them to tell a fire marshal when they get out of the building.
• Use the communication system in the refuge (see below). You can also ring Security directly using your mobile on 0114 225 2888 / 0114 225 2000.

Disabled refuges

On each floor in the escape stairwell or lift lobby area, there are refuges that have fire protection. All contain a refuge communication system. To use this:

• Press the button and wait for a response (don't worry if this is not straight away).
• The system goes straight through to University Security.
• In most cases, this is a false alarm so you will be advised to remain where you are.

Evacuation chairs

In the highly unusual event that you must get out of the building but cannot use the stairs, all of the University's buildings now have evacuation chairs. All University Security staff are trained how to use these and can transfer you down the stairs and out of the building.

Book the study space you want to use

Your library provides access to over 1200 learning spaces in a range of study areas. There are Collaborative, Quiet, and Silent study areas and there is a mixture of bookable and non-bookable learning spaces to choose from.

Remember to bring your SHUcard with you when you visit the library. But, do not worry if you forget your SHUCard as there is a machine at the reception that you can use to get a temporary card.

Assistive Technology Resource spaces in the libraries

Here is an example of one of the learning spaces in the library. Here we are featuring the bookable Assistive Technology Resource spaces with a Windows PC and assistive furniture such as a height adjustable desk and an ergonomic chair.

These spaces are available for students who have this agreed as part of their learning contract.

Make it accessible with Sensus Access

Sensus Access allows you to convert documents into a range of alternate media including audio books (MP3 and DAISY), e-books (EPUB, EPUB3, and Mobi), and digital Braille.

The service can also be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, JPG pictures, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into more accessible formats.

Conditions of use

You can make an accessible copy if you own the copyright (e.g. it's your own work), have permission from the copyright holder, if the copyright has expired, or if it's for someone with a print disability. By using this tool you are agreeing that:

• the copy won't be shared with others
• you can't find a commercially available version in an appropriate format.
• you abide by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, Section 31A (Disabled persons: copies of works for personal use).

Learning contracts and library support

If you have a disability, including a long term medical condition, a specific learning difficulty e.g. dyslexia, or a mental health condition, you can access additional support for your academic studies whilst at University.

This includes a university document called a Learning Contract and funding to cover extra study-related costs caused by your disability.

Assistive Technology software

Assistive Technology software is available on all Hallam PCs via Apps Anywhere. An example of one of the assistive technology software listed in Apps Anywhere is MindView, which is mind mapping software.

If you have been recommended to use a specific piece of software, take a look in Apps Anywhere to find out how to access it. You can find out more about software provision within Sheffield Hallam by using the software information link below.

Book on to sessions with the Assistive Technology Service

The Assistive Technology service promotes and trains students to be able to use the assistive software available on AppsAnywhere.

Our sessions will provide you with a variety of tools to support:

• notetaking
• lecture recording
• time management
• organisation
• essay structuring
• research skills and revision.

Book a session to find out more about how applications and software like Mindview, Office 365, Microsoft Edge, and Audio Notetaker can help you.