The University of Sheffield archive
The University of Sheffield archive is the historical record and corporate memory of the University and its predecessor institutions.
Overview
The records reflect the development and achievements of the University from its constituent members – the Technical School, Medical School and Firth College, through to the creation of the University College in 1897 and the University of Sheffield in 1905.
It is an important research resource for those interested in the history of the University, the wider local community and of Higher Education within the UK and includes many different departmental collections including records from the Vice-Chancellor's Office, the Office of the Registrar and Secretary, Student Services, University publications and Official University committee minutes..
Using the archive
The University archive catalogue can be accessed via the Discover Our Archives web page.
Access to archival material will be at the discretion of the University archivist, taking into account statutory obligations such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998, and the physical condition of the archival material being requested.
To access University archive material please contact the University archive by emailing universityarchive@sheffield.ac.uk with your initial enquiry.
Archive collection and appraisal
This policy aims to ensure that decisions taken relating to collecting or disposing of archive material are accountable, transparent and appropriately documented.
Archive advice and guidance
The University archivist can advise if departmental records are worthy of permanent preservation within the University's archive.
For example, departments who are relocating often take the opportunity to dispose of old records they think might no longer be useful.
If this is the case, please contact the Records Management Team - arrangements can be made for the secure transfer and custody of such records at the Records Centre, prior to their arrangement and cataloguing to professional archive standards.
The University archivist can also advise on the holdings of the archive, and the contents of particular records in the context of whether they could be of use to researchers.
The University's archive can only be enhanced by good record keeping within the University. Good record keeping makes good archives.
There is, therefore, a close relationship between the University's Records Management services and the University's archives.
Guidance and advice on any aspect of archiving, record keeping or information management can therefore be sought from the University archivist/Records Management Service at universityarchive@sheffield.ac.uk.