Christmas opening times 2024: We are closed to all but essential services over the Christmas period. You can still use our online services to report, apply and pay 24/7.
City Archives and Local Studies services
We have a range of services and items available at our Archives and Local Studies Libraries in the centre of Sheffield. You can copy documents and images, order items or use our Research Service if you are unable to visit Sheffield Archives and Local Studies.
Research service
You can use our research service if you are unable to visit Sheffield Archives and Local Studies. For a fee of £20 per half-hour, our experienced researchers will undertake work on your behalf.
Our researchers have access to a vast array of genealogical and other information including:
- census returns
- parish registers
- indexes to births, marriages and deaths
- family and estate records
- Ordnance Survey maps
- newspapers
- school records
Whether you want to request a search of a 17th century baptism register, or order a copy of a map from the early 20th century, our research service should be able to help.
Local Studies
To use newspapers, electoral registers or census returns at the Local Studies Library please call in advance, as many of these items are only available on microform. To use our Internet facilities please call us in advance to book a computer session.
If you are wanting to access our Archives please phone ahead to check that we have the documents that you are planning to see.
Before your visit
Please email us before visiting for details of the service we offer and to clarify that the items you want to view are available. We will be glad to advise you about which items are available at either the Archives or Local Studies.
Copying services
Sheffield Archives and Local Studies are able to supply copies of documents and images, subject to copyright restrictions, in a variety of formats and sizes.
You are welcome to make photocopies and prints from microforms when you visit. It’s also possible for you to use your own digital camera, simply ask a member of staff for advice and guidance. You will need to complete a declaration at the time you make a copy.
You can pay by credit or debit card, cash or cheque. You can download and view the details of our fees and charges.
Order items
If you have document reference numbers you can order the items in advance so they are ready upon your arrival. For Saturday visitors, all original items must be ordered by the previous Thursday.
To use Church Registers, General Register Office indexes to births, marriages and deaths, or census returns, it is best if you call us in advance, as many of these items are only available on microfilm.
Order forms
You can order copies to be sent by post, email or the Internet if you cannot visit us. Copies are supplied for private study purpose only. If you wish to use the image for anything else, such as in a book, exhibition or website, please contact us for further advice.