New library users

This is a brief introduction for NHS employees, follow this link for full eligibility criteria.

Getting started

Complete and return a registration form to enable you to borrow books and make use of our other services.
Register online for an Athens password to give you access to online resources.
Visit the library with a £10 deposit and ask for a 24hr Door Access Card.
If you wish to use library computers ensure that you have organized a Trust log-in with your Line Manager (or IT Services x 3500)

Borrowing books

You may borrow up to eight books at any one time.
Search our SWIMS Catalogue online from any computer connected to the internet or from the dedicated computer by the book shelves in the library. See online guide for more help.
If the book is held in our library and is available, look for the classmark (one or two letters and a number). The yellow signs on the end of the shelves will help you find the book. Alternatively, ask a member of staff for assistance.
Library locations are listed by codes. Basingstoke is H18. If the search results show that we normally hold the copy you require but it is currently on loan, then you can contact the library to reserve a copy.
If a book is not held in our library, complete, print out and send to the library a book request form and we will try to borrow the book from another library for you. (A charge may apply).

Finding journal articles

You have access to over 3000 full text journals via My Journals, our A-Z journal list. Although some are open access, many will require an Athens password. See "Getting Started" above.
Type the required journal title into the My Journals search box.
Results will show whether you have access to that journal online. Click on the link to access full text. You
may be asked for an additional password, in which case, click on the link to see required password.
Details of whether print copies of the journal are available in the library will also be displayed. You can
visit the library and photocopy the article, or complete, print out and send a photocopy request form to the library so that we might do this for you (there is a charge for this service).
If you do not have any access to the article at all, you can complete and sign a photocopy request form and we will try to obtain a photocopy of the article for you from another library (a charge may apply).
Print journals held within the library are for reference purposes only and may not be borrowed.
If you do not have the details for a particular article, search one of the databases using keywords.
It is also possible to request a literature search to be carried out on your behalf by a member of the library
team. Complete, print out and return a literature search request form.

Computers

There are 12 flat screen PCs for you to use. These are connected to the NHSnet and also have access to Microsoft Office and the Trust intranet. A scanner is available in the large computer suite.
A Trust log-in is required. Speak to your line manager or the IT helpdesk to arrange this.
All PCs are connected to a single black and white printer. In order to print, you will need to purchase an EMOS card. The cost of this is £3. This will enable you to print up to 60 pages (5p per page). This card can also be used in the photocopier.

Other important things

There is a book returns box near the canteen and another within the library itself. Both of these are emptied daily.
The library is staffed until 7pm on Tuesdays. Please see the opening hours for the rest of the week.
You can contact the library and book a one-to-one training or group sessions in the use of electronic information resources, literature searching etc.
The library team is here to support all your information needs. Please contact us if you need any help.