FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

• We provide training on how to use our online tools. Head to our training page and select the session called ‘Literature Searching.’ They are 30 minutes, over MS  Teams and held during lunchtime.
• If you have specific questions about your project, you can always contact us with your question. This way we can give you more in depth support.

Our training session on how to do a literature search contains useful advice on how to construct a search strategy. If you would like more in-depth and specific advice, we have a team of expert librarians that can go through it with you. Let us know your availability and we can organise a time for one of them to have a quick chat with you.

• You need an OpenAthens login to access to any of the journals that we subscribe to. You can register for one here: OpenAthens | Registration. If you are having trouble logging in, please contact us for support.
• To check which journals we subscribe to, you can search the journal catalogue via Browzine.
• If you are still met with a paywall when looking at your required article, send the details (title, journal, DOI or ISSN) to our email: uhd.library@nhs.net and we should be able to request a copy from other sources. We aim to supply as quickly as possible within staffed hours (8.30-16.30 Mon-Fri excluding bank holidays).

• Our library catalogue can show you all the books that are available within our main network of libraries. If you place a reservation on a book, it will be posted to your home library and we’ll let you know when it is ready to collect.
• If you get ‘no results’ when you search for a book, send the details to our email: uhd.library@nhs.net and we can ask libraries outside of our main region. If they also do not have it, we might be able to order the book in new (it must be beneficial to your role and be recently published within the last 10 years). 

• The initial loan period for a standard book is 28 days. Books automatically renew up to 3 times, if no one else requests them. You may receive auto-generated notifications about the due date and renewal whilst you have a book on loan. 
• If the book is an inter-library loan from another library you can email us to request a renewal, although it is up to the lending library whether this is possible. 
• If you are receiving overdue notifications and you have returned the book already please contact us. 

• The library spaces are open 24/7 and staffed between 08:30 and 16:30 on weekdays. We are available to answer emails, phone calls and in person enquiries during staffed hours. 
• If you would like to access the library outside of staffed hours, you will need your staff ID badge to get in (UHD staff only). If you work for Dorset Healthcare, please contact us to ask about an out of hours card. 

• We have computers that are available for anyone with a UHD staff login, free desks for working on your own laptop and comfy couches for taking a break on. You are welcome to eat and drink in the library however please avoid smelly or oily food as this can make the environment uncomfortable for other users.
• There are pods for privacy, which you can use anytime without needing to book in advance. The pods have a light, a plug socket, air conditioning and mild sound proofing. 
• You can view photos of our library spaces here, so you know what to expect and can plan your visit. 

• Subscribe to one of our monthly current awareness bulletins if you would like a round up of the latest research in your area of interest. 
• If you let us know what you are interested in receiving, we can set up alerts that get sent straight to your inbox if a particular journal publishes a new study in that area.
• Always use BMJ Best Practice if you would like advice on the latest guidance. Using evidence-based medicine, this service provides step-by-step guidance for symptom evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, follow up and prevention. It can also be set up as an app on your phone.
• Try using AskTrip, on the Trip Medical Database. You can ask clinical questions and get well-evidenced summaries and answers formulated by an AI tool. It includes references and assesses the strength of the evidence when giving you an answer, allowing you to easily check the results for validity.

• UHD staff can book a library room via UBook. We have two rooms in each library that can be booked for private study or training. If you are unable to use UBook, please email us. 
• We have pods which are great for privacy and quiet. Our library pods have a light, a plug socket and air conditioning to make the space more comfortable. You do not need to book a pod in advance.