What is SYALL (South Yorkshire Access to Libraries for Learning)?

SYALL is an agreement managed by SINTO - the information partnership for South Yorkshire and north Derbyshire. Libraries in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield have come together to provide everyone in the area with access to some or all of their resources.

South Yorkshire has a wealth of libraries, which can support you in lifelong learning and finding information. The SYALL agreement allows you to use those listed on this web site.

Whether you are enrolled on a course of study, doing research, or just studying for your own enjoyment and interest you can use all of these libraries.

In many academic libraries only staff and students can use the electronic resources. The University of Sheffield does permit walk in user access to a range of electronic journals. Check here for further details.

All print resources (books & journals) in all the libraries can be used for reference purposes by everyone.
If you wish to borrow, you may be able to join as an external borrower on payment of a fee. Please contact the organisation for more information.

The SYALL scheme opens the doors to the collections in college and university libraries in our region for reference and study. Library staff will be able to help you find the information you need.

If you cannot find the books or information you want in your own library this is what you should do:

• Ask the staff in your own library first. They may be able to get hold of what you want.
• Check this website - it is an 'Access Map' to Find a Library by Subject or Find a Library by Area in the SYALL region.
• Contact the library before you visit to check they have the information you require.
• Take identification with you when you go - a library card from your own library is ideal.
• Please respect the regulations of the libraries you use.
• Be aware that you will be unable to use certain services in some libraries, e.g. the Internet and electronic resources.

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Using the Libraryfinder Access Map

How to use the Access Map: This website is called an 'Access Map'. It will help you find libraries in South Yorkshire, tell you where they are and guide you to important information. Use the map to search for a library in a particular area or a subject of interest to you:

• Finding a library by subject
• Finding a library by area: There will be contact details, links to their own websites and a list of subjects they cover.
• See also Information held about libraries

The information should be up-to-date and accurate but please be aware that things can change.

We will endeavour to ensure all the links work but if you find any that do not work, please make a note of them and either ring Sinto on 0114 225 5739 or e-mail c.j.clayton@shu.ac.uk

Information held about Libraries

Each library has a section with details of name, address, telephone number, email address and links to their website. These links go to their home page and the following specific information, where available:

• What we have - Description of information and services.
• Opening times - When the library is open to the public.
• Access for people with disabilities - Details of physical access to the building for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.
• Where we are - The location of the library including a map if available.
• Catalogue - you can search the library computer catalogue on the Internet (if it is available externally).
• Branch Libraries - this only applies to Local Authority Public Libraries in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield
• How to get in touch
  The address, telephone numbers and e-mail address to enable you to contact them.
• Information for visitors
  For academic libraries in particular, information for members of the public who want to use the library.
  

You will also be able to view the main subjects covered and at what level. See more information about subjects.

Finding a Library by Area

Click on the South Yorkshire Map on the Home Page, or the navigation links at the top of each page which will cover the whole of South Yorkshire, or the individual areas of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield. You can then follow the links to individual Libraries or Learning Resource Centres.

Finding a Library by Subject

You can search through an alphabetical list of of the subjects listed on this website by going to the Libraryfinder Subject List
Click on a subject name to see where it is available and at what level, e.g.:

• General Interest - (Introductory & Beginners)
• Advanced - (GCSE, Advanced Level, Vocational)
• Degree - (Degree, HND, HE, Undergraduate)
• Research / Specialist - (Postgraduate, Special Interest, Research)
  

Click on the individual subject links to see what other libraries in SYALL also cover particular subjects.

Please note that the subject list is only a very basic guide to what is covered by each organisation.
Public libraries can provide materials on almost all subjects at a general level.

This project is supported by the Learning and Skills Council and is part funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund

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