Membership options

We have a range of membership options, including the ability to join the Library with access to borrowing.

An image of a student studying in Western Bank Library
On

Online applications are now accepted for all options except schools and colleges.

The Library is not accessible to external reader members during exam and assessment periods.

For other categories, the access to library sites will be limited during revision periods.


Alumni membership

Alumni are eligible for free membership of the Library.

Find out more


SCONUL Access

We are a member of SCONUL Access, which provides staff and students at participating higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland with access to our facilities and borrowing.

Find out more


Members of the public

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Library for reference use of printed items, to use the reading spaces, and in some cases, as a borrower. Find out about the membership options available and how to apply.

External reader

External borrower


Schools and colleges

We welcome local schools and colleges to visit the Library, for tours and for librarian-led workshops, where your students can develop skills and learn more about our Special Collections.

The Library is not accepting membership applications from school and colleges at this time. 

Find out more


White Rose-affiliated research students

Postgraduate Research students from the Universities of York and Leeds can become affiliated PGR members of our Library.

Apply online


Important information

  • You may apply for membership to use our resources for learning or research if you are 19 or over, and have a genuine need for resources which are unavailable from your local library.
  • Visitors to Western Bank Library and Health Sciences Library, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, may obtain a day pass to enter library spaces, as long as you are 19 or over. You must bring a physical form of photo ID. We are not able to accept copies or scans of your ID.
  • You’ll be sharing our spaces with University staff and students and you’ll notice that at certain times of the year library sites get very busy. Please be considerate of other library users, library staff at our information points are available to help.
  • At certain times of the year visitor access will be restricted to prioritise use for University students, so please always check in advance of any visit.

Ask a question

Email: library@sheffield.ac.uk

Phone: +44 114 222 7200

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.