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Using the Local Studies Library
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Note: Sheffield Local Studies Library and Sheffield Archives are located in separate buildings approximately 10 minutes walk apart.
The main way to access material is via the catalogues. There are two main catalogues:
- For items acquired by the library prior to 1997 use the card index which is a simple A-Z index of people, places and subjects.
- For items received since 1997 use the computer catalogue. This can be searched online via the internet and in the library on the catalogue terminal.
Once you have a reference to an item ask a member of staff and they will tell you how to access it. It may be freely available on the shelves or, if not, arrangements will be made to get the item from the strongroom for you. This may take about 20 minutes.
There are also a number of specialist catalogues and indexes which you may wish to use. Further details of the collections is available on the ‘what collections do we have?’ pages. However, in brief, you may wish to be aware of:
- Books - library of local and regional publications dating from the 17th - 21st centuries.
- Maps – please ask a member of staff who will be happy to advise you.
- Photographs – approx 10,000 images are available to search online at Picture Sheffield (you can also order prints from the website). Over 36,000 are available to search on the computers in the Local Studies Library. A member of staff will show you how these work.
- Newspapers – there are one or two indexes to some of the newspapers and special indexes such as obituaries. Staff can advise you on these.
- Census returns – to view these you will need a microform viewer. Staff can advise you on this.
When using the Local Studies Library we ask that you use pencils only in order to protect the items in our care. If you wish to photocopy anything please ask a meber of staff and they will let you know if it is suitable for copying. If you wish to photograph anything please ask a member of staff first to that issues of copyright can be clarified.
No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted in the Local Studies Library.
Please note that the inclusion of any website or link on this page does not mean that they have been vetted or recommended by Sheffield City Council. It is important to make sure that you are happy that they are suitable for your own requirements.
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