Official access statement

The Information Commons is an integrated learning environment jointly conceived and operated by the University Library and the Department of Corporate Information and Computing Service (CiCS).

The majority of services, policies and procedures in the Information Commons are aligned with those of its parent departments.

However, the access policy is specific to the Information Commons. Access is restricted at all times to University of Sheffield students and staff.

To access the Information Commons, therefore, you´ll need one of the following UCards:

• Staff (orange)
• Student (blue)
• Sheffield International College Student (lilac)
• Associate (bright green)

We´re sorry, but NHS Staff, holders of External (white) UCards or University Library External Borrower cards are not able to use the Information Commons.

A valid UCard is required at all times to pass through the entrance turnstiles. You will also need your UCard to operate the outer doors outside core staffed hours.

This policy does not affect the existing rights of external customers to use other sites of the University Library. For more information about Library services for external customers, please see:

Information For External Customers

The Information Commons is not included within the scope of the University Library´s participation in the South Yorkshire Access to Libraries for Learning (SYALL) and SCONUL Access schemes.

Requesting Access to the Information Commons

Exceptional requests for access by those not in possession of a UCard will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the decision to grant access will be at the discretion of the Information Commons Steering Group.

To request access to the Information Commons, please contact us with your name, your relationship to the University and details of why you require access.

email : ic-access@sheffield.ac.uk

The Information Commons access policy is based on the following factors:

• The primary objective for the University’s huge investment in the IC is to deliver high quality IT-enabled study space to University of Sheffield students. Demand for seats is already intense.
  
  
• The 100,000 volume IC print collection comprises high-use student materials. Some of these materials are duplicate copies of books held at other sites of the University Library. The titles that are currently held only in the IC collection are on student reading lists and are in very heavy demand.
  
  
• The IC is a 24/7 building with a relatively small staff presence out of core hours; the security and safety of its users is maximised by allowing admission only to University of Sheffield students, staff and authorised associates.