Library Service Blog

Support from the Library and Skills Centre over the festive break 2023 - 2024

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 2024 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 22nd December and reopen Tuesday 2nd January 2024 at 9am

Borrowing from the library 

• Self-service borrowing is available in both libraries 24/7
• Borrowing due dates are extended until Tuesday 9th January
• Anything borrowed between Saturday 9 December and Monday 1 January will be due back on Monday 8 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 on Saturday 16 December, on Sunday 7 January, or on any of the days in between.
• 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 2024

• 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 3rd 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 13th December
• The Skills Centre is closed from Friday 22nd December 4pm - Tuesday 2nd 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 2nd January 2024 at 9am