Western Bank Library Tours

Following the completion of the Western Bank Library redevelopment project we'll be offering guided tours to all staff and students. These tours will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the new facilities, learn more about where our various collections are housed, in what areas you can expect to find silent study and how we plan to use the exhibition space etc.

Student tours are due to commence week beginning February 8th and are open to everyone. There'll be two sessions a day, starting at 11am and 3pm, and all you have to do is show up at the library five minutes beforehand. Make your way up the 1st flight of stairs from the main entrance on Level G and we'll be waiting on Level M.

For more information about the project take a look at our webpages or contact library staff by email library@sheffield.ac.uk.

Studying Economics?

Are you an undergraduate economics student?  We've just heard about  a new website www.studyingeconomics.ac.uk which could be worth checking out.  Created by the Economics Network based at  Bristol University  and written for undergraduate economics students, it  contains a wide variety of information which you might find useful  e.g; module choices, study tips, intern advice etc.

Let us know what you think.

QR Code Competition

During October/November 2009 the university library ran a competition (sponsored by JISC) to win an iPod Touch. Students were asked to comment on the library blogs, suggesting ways the library could use QR codes to support services. The range of responses we received has given the project group plenty of food for thought and they would like to thank all for your participation.

The lucky winner, Dami Bakare (a third year dental student), was drawn out of a hat by Paul Tobin, President of the Student Union, before Christmas and was presented with his prize early this week.

To read more about QR codes - what they are and how to use them - take a look at the library news page and have a practice with the codes found on our blogs. Any further comments about the library's use of QR codes are always welcome or if you'd prefer to email suggestions you can contact us at library@sheffield.ac.uk.

For more photos of the presentation have a look at our Flickr photostream and check out the article in Forge Press.

Western Bank Library Extended Opening Hours

During the Winter exam period (from January 10th to February 4th) the Western Bank Library has extended opening hours (see the table below for times). With the redevelopment work now in its final stages (effecting Level 3 and the impaired-mobility access route on Level G) you'll find plenty of silent study spaces and our upgraded network means greater wifi access.

	Opening hours	Staffed service hours
Sunday	10:00 - midnight	14:00 - 18:00
Monday - Thursday	09:00 - midnight	09:00 - 19:00
Friday	09:00 - 21:00	10:00 - 19:00
Saturday	10:00 - 18:00	14:00 - 18:00

National Archives release 1979 records

On 30 December The National Archives announced the release of government records from 1979 and highlights are now online.   This being the year Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister,  following the infamous 'winter of discontent',  items of interest include files on industrial policy,  Britain's relationship with Iran and the situation in Northern Ireland.