Library Access & Use

accessrules

The main entrance to the Richard Powell Library is on the ground floor of Garden Court. Members of College are allowed access 24 hours a day, in both full term and vacation, using their blue University Card. For security, the door is kept locked; readers are requested not to admit strangers to the Library. Surveillance cameras operate at all times. Members of other colleges within the University wishing to use the Library must apply for admission by contacting the Librarian in advance.

The Library is usually staffed between 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, Monday to Friday throughout term and vacation. The Library closes completely for the three days over the Christmas period when the College is closed, and access is not allowed.

Parts of the Library are accessible to wheelchair users with ramped access into the building. Users with special access needs are recommended to contact the Librarian in advance of their first visit.

Registration

To borrow books from the Library you will need a University ID card. New users should present their card to a member of the Library staff for registration before borrowing books. It is most convenient to do this during the induction tours in the first week of the Michaelmas Term. To comply with the Data Protection Act, the College will also require you to sign a waiver, as the Library holds information on you in electronic form.

The catalogues

Enquiry terminals for the catalogue are provided on the ground floor near the Library entrance, although it can also be searched on-line from any location via the Library’s website. The catalogue is maintained on two systems, Heritage and Newton. The Heritage system contains details of Sidney Sussex Library holdings only, but these are also added to Cambridge University’s union catalogue, Newton, which shows where books can be found throughout the various Cambridge libraries.

Computer suite

The College Computer suite is located within the Library building on the First Floor, and is available for use 24 hours a day. It contains networked PCs and an iMac, together with colour printing facilities and a scanner.

Guidance for users

We want you to feel that the Library and Computer Suite provide a comfortable working environment. Please therefore observe the following points:

Please feel free to adjust the ventilation and lighting as necessary; most of the tables have individual task lighting. Please let the Librarian know if there are any problems.
Please do not use the catalogue terminals for e-mail. Designated terminals are provided in the computer suite.
Laptop computers may be used, provided they do not disturb other readers. In exam term, certain areas will be designated “lap-top-free”.
When using personal stereos, please ensure that you do not disturb other students.
Don't forget that it is a criminal offence to photocopy or scan some copyrighted materials (guidelines are on display in the photocopy room).
Please make use of the paper crèche if you wish to leave items in the Library. Books to which you wish to return may be reserved overnight by displaying a signed and dated 'Please Leave' slip (available from the Issue Desk). You are advised never to leave papers, personal possessions or anything of value unattended in the Library or Computer Suite.
Do not invite guests into the Library: only current members of College and official guests are permitted entry. Personal guests may be admitted only by prior arrangement with the Librarian.
When the fire alarm sounds, please leave the Library immediately. The emergency exits are clearly marked and readers are ask to familiarise themselves with evacuation procedures. The fire muster point is the Master’s Garden.
A first aid kit is available in the Library Office for the treatment of minor injuries. Please take care when using ladders, steps and other equipment and report any accident which occurs in the Library to a member of staff.