Diocese of Sheffield

To offer support to parishes and schools in the diocese, by making available materials for evangelism, for
worship and for the training and formation of Christians of all ages.

The Centre's Aims:

To maintain a varied collection of books, videos, CDs, DVDs audio tapes, slides, posters, equipment and similar resources, both for reference and for borrowing.
To provide information about current events in the diocese.
To provide facilities, expertise and advice, and materials for individuals and groups.
To make itself and its services more widely known.

SERVICES

The Book Collection

There are three collections of books; one for children (approx 0-11); one for teenagers (approx 12-16); and one for adults (17+). Books are arranged in order of subject, according to the Dewey Decimal classification system used in most public libraries. There is also a small collection of books for reference only; these all have large notices and red labels on their spines to indicate that they aren't to be removed from the Centre. Some reference-only books (including spare copies of especially popular titles) are kept on the main shelves.

Journals, Magazines and Reports

Various periodicals cover theology, children youth and adult education, church administration, evangelism, worship, retreats and current issues. We also keep copies of all General Synod papers; these will be held for a minimum of a year.

Video and Audio Tapes, CD's, DVD’s, Slides, Filmstrips, Posters, Icons etc

Videos and DVD’s are at present arranged alphabetically by title in three sections: children, teenagers and adults. A feedback sheet is provided for comments on videos, all borrowers of videos are asked to complete one (per video) to provide information for other users. There are several collections of slides film-strips, posters and icons which can be viewed on request.

Godly Play Boxes, Fresh Expressions/ Spirituality Resources, Artefacts etc

We have a large selection of Godly Play boxes available to be borrowed. In the Centre as well as posters, CDs and DVD’s of ‘background’ music we have boxes full of materials, feathers, pebbles, shells etc etc and books with ideas for alternative forms of worship. We also have lots of books and artefacts for Christianity and other world faiths.

'Hardware'

The 'hardware' stock includes such items as slide, video and overhead projectors, an audio cassette and voice amplifier, CD player, flipcharts, display boards and badge makers. A full list is available.
Visitors may also use the photocopier for a small charge to cover materials used. Users of the photocopier are asked to be careful to note the restrictions imposed by the law of copyright.

PROCEDURES

Opening Times

We are open Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm and occasionally at other times e.g. Open Days and Workshops. A member of staff is usually available to deal with enquiries and requests; if not, help can sometimes be obtained from staff members in the Training Department. During Christmas, Easter and summer holidays the Centre may occasionally be closed to visitors – we apologise for any inconvenience caused. It is always advisable to ring first, especially if it is your first visit to the Centre.

Booking in

In order to keep a record of the Centre's use, visitors are asked to sign in at the desk on the left inside the entrance door. This is for all visitors (including Church House Staff) and for all forms of use including 'just looking'. The Centre's resources can be used by all parishes and schools within the Diocese of Sheffield. New users are asked to make themselves known to a member of staff who will explain the necessary procedures, and to complete a registration card.

Borrowing

All resources borrowed MUST BE SIGNED FOR, in the loans register, AND RETURNED WITHIN FOUR WEEKS (TWO WEEKS FOR PACKS AND VIDEOS). If unforeseen circumstances make this impossible, users should telephone to find out whether the loan could be extended; normally it will be, unless someone else needs the resource in question. If items are returned outside opening times, they should be left in the box under the pigeon holes in the front office, or in the red plastic box near the loans register in the Centre, and a form attached to indicate who has returned the item and when.

A TOTAL OF 5 ITEMS ONLY MAY BE BORROWED BY MEMBERS. If this causes a problem please have a word with a member of staff.

Loss or Damage

Users are expected to pay for or replace any items lost or damaged whilst in their care.

We hope you enjoy your visit and find the Centre helpful please do ask if you require any assistance

Suggestions and Comments

These would be welcomed, in respect of any aspect of the Resources Centre's policy, services and/or procedures. Funding is limited, but we are keen to use the available funds on materials that the Centre's users want and need.

Kathryn Bliss (Resources Centre Administrator)
Resources Centre
Sheffield Diocesan Church House
95-99 Effingham Street
Rotherham S65 1BL
Tel: (01709) 309105