FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions at the Rowland Medical Library

Library Passwords
Why do I need a password to Login to UMC Resources?
Do I need a library password to search the library catalog?
How can I apply for a library password?
What should I do if I have problems with my library password?

Computer/Access Problems
Can I print information from my laptop computer while I am in the Library?
If all the computers in the computer lab are busy, what are my options?
Can I access the Internet on my personal laptop computer while in the library?

Who can help me with a problem on the computers located in the library computer lab?
Who can help if the printer in the computer lab area is out of paper?
Who can help me access one of the electronic journals listed on the library homepage?
Who can help me if access to the Ovid databases is hung up?
If the Ovid databases are unavailable, what are the options for searching the Ovid Databases elsewhere?

Getting Started To Find Information
Where do I look to find journal articles on a specific subject?
Where do I look to find a book, an audio-visual or a journal title available at the Rowland Medical Library?

Locating Journals or Articles in the Library
Where is your list of journal titles so I can check to see if you have the ones on my reference list?
Where do I search to find if the Rowland Medical Library has the journal title, volume and year that I need?
I have found the journal title I need listed in the online catalog, but no call number is given.  How do I locate the journal title on the library shelves?
Why can’t I find the journal article I want in the library catalog?  I tried using both the author and title of the article.
Where do I search to find complete information on a journal article, for which I have partial information (such as  the journal title and author’s name)?

Locating Books in the Library
I copied a call number from the online catalog, but could not locate the book on the shelf upstairs.  Where do I need to look?
I have looked on the shelf and cannot find a book, which the online catalog shows that we have.  Where is it?  

Searching Databases for Specific Information
Where do I search for articles in nursing journals?
How can I find research articles in the nursing periodical literature?
Where do I search for journal articles on dental or dental hygiene topics?
Can I limit a general search to articles in a special category or specialty?
Where to I look to find information about the Evidence-Based Medicine approach to patient care?
Do you have specialized resources to facilitate the search for ‘best-evidence’ information for a clinical, patient care question?  
I just want to search for guidelines. Do you have some specialized resources?
Do you have specialized databases for finding best evidence information  in physiotherapy or occupational therapy?
Can I search MEDLINE files prior to 1966 online?
I do not have a library password or ID. Can I search the MEDLINE database free on the web?
When do I request a reference librarian to do a literature search for me?

Full Text Information
Can I search for full text items in the library Online Catalog?
Where can I find some full text  books online?
How can I access full text journals by title? I have some titles that I like to browse monthly.
How can I access full text journal articles in database searching? I do not have time to go to the shelf and pull journals and copy articles.
Where can I find some full text 'best evidence' information applicable to patient care?
Where can I find full text information to give to patients?

Leisure Books
May I suggest new titles for the leisure reading collection?
When do you receive new books for the leisure reading collection?
Why are the leisure reading books not shelved in the leisure reading area?

Interlibrary Loan
The library does not have the book and a journal article that I need for my assignment. The librarian suggested I complete an interlibrary loan request.  What is this service?
Who is eligible to use the interlibrary loan service?
Does the Rowland Medical Library charge for processing an interlibrary loan request for UMC affiliates?
How do I submit an interlibrary loan request?
How long does an interlibrary loan transaction take?
Where do I look to find a library that subscribes to a journal title we do not have?

Fines
My book was due on Friday so I put it in the book drop.  Why am I receiving a fine?
I received a fine notice on one of the books I had checked out from the library and I can’t find the book.  I am afraid I have lost it.  What should I do?

Book Collection/Purchases/Donations/Recommendations
How do I make a purchase recommendation for the library?
How many new books may I request at one time for the library to purchase?
When may I recommend the library purchase a new book?
How long does it take for the library to get a new book?
Is the library interested in being given my old health sciences books?

 

Answers to FAQs:

 
Library Passwords


Why do I need a password to Login to UMC Resources?
The library purchases various site licenses to access commercially developed literature databases.  The fee for a site license is based on the number of users the license covers. To provide access to users other than UMC faculty, staff and students, the library would be required to pay higher fees.  Passwords provide the security necessary to comply with the site license agreements, limiting access to the UMC community of users. Note unlicensed resources are free for use to everyone.

Do I need a library password to search the library catalog?
No. Access is free to the public and to UMC affiliates.  

How can I apply for a library password?
Library passwords are available to UMC affiliates only. Begin on the Library homepage http://library.umsmed.edu/ and select  Apply for a Library Login  written in blue on the right side of the page. Complete the application form and select Submit My Application.  Or you may come to the library in person and complete the application form, which is available at the Reference Desk. It takes approximately one week to process an application. The completed form with login and password is sent to the applicant by mail or campus mail. If you require immediate access, you may come to the library with your UMC badge and a reference librarian can log you into the system. In some instances, passwords can be processed within a speedier time frame.

What should I do if I have problems with my library password?
Please note the helpful hints to troubleshoot password problems located on the main Library homepage on the right side: Need Help Logging In? Or please call the Reference Desk at 984-1231. Hours of service are Mon – Thurs. 8 am – 8 pm ; Fri. 8 am to 5 pm ; Sat. 11am to 3 pm
.

   
Computer/Access Problems

Can I print information from my laptop computer while I am in the Library?
No. The library does not support print functions for laptop computers.

If all the computers in the computer lab are busy, what are my options?
Circulation has 10 Howard laptop computers available to UMC affiliates (UMC badge is required)
for loan in the library. Internet access is offered via wireless technology throughout the library.  
The lap tops come with word processing software.

Can I access the internet on my personal laptop computer while in the library?
The library has wireless technology installed on both floors for internet access. Your personal computer must be equipped and configured by DIS for wireless access.  

Who can help me with a problem on the computers located in the library computer lab?
Login to UMC Resources. You will find some help information in the Computer Lab Guidelines located under Quick Links to the left of the Library homepage.  Or consult the Computer Lab Assistant. He or she is usually located in the Circulation area and is available Mon – Fri  6:00 pm 12:00 midnight ; Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ; Sun 6:00 pm   – 12;00 midnight . Or contact library staff in Circulation or in Reference.  

Who can help if the printer in the computer lab area is out of paper?
The library office closest to the computer area, has a note on the door requesting patrons to seek paper there. If no one is available in that office, contact library staff in Circulation or if necessary, in Reference.

Who can help me access the electronic journals listed on the library e-journal page?
First check the Electronic Journal page for complete access information for each of the titles listed. The e-journal page gives the years for which each title is available electronically  and includes additional passwords if necessary for access. Or please call the Reference Desk  at 984-1231. Hours of service are Mon – Thurs. 8 am – 8 pm ; Fri. 8 am - 5 pm ; Sat. 11am - 3pm
.

Who can help me if access to the Ovid databases is hung up?
Please call the Reference Desk  at 984-1231. Hours of service are Mon – Thurs. 8 am – 8 pm ;  
Fri.
8 am to 5 pm ; Sat. 11am to 3 pm
.

If the OVID databases are unavailable, what are the options for searching them elsewhere?

MEDLINE can be accessed free on the web. From the drop down menu on the Library homepage, select  Electronic Databases.  Scroll down the page to Other Health Sciences Databasess and select NLM PubMed..

HealthSTAR is no longer being maintained as a separate database by the National Library of Medicine. HealthStar data has been integrated into the PubMed  database..

CancerLit is no longer being maintained as a separate database by the National Library of Medicine. CancerLit information has been integrated into the PubMed database.

CINAHL, PsycLIT and  HAPI  are not available free on the web. However, nursing journals are included in the PubMed database.  Choose Limits and select Subset /Nursing journals to retrieve nursing journal articles. 

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the citations in ACP Journal Club are indexed in PubMed, but the full text is not available.  

Getting Started To Find Information

Where do I look to find journal articles on a specific subject?  
To find journal articles on a specific topic,  do an electronic database search. Go to the Library homepage and Login to UMC Resources. Under Quick Links select OVID databases to search MEDLINE for most health related topics or choose CINAHL, for nursing and allied health subjects. Additional databases are available for searches.  On the main library homepage select the  arrow beside Make Selection Here to open the drop down menu and select Electronic Databases. Various general and specific databases are grouped under broad categories.  Try to select a database appropriate to your search question. You may consult a reference librarian to recommend a database appropriate for your topic.

Where do I look to find a book, an audio-visual or a journal title available at the Rowland Medical Library?  
To find a specific book, audio-visual or journal title  held in the Rowland Medical Library, go to the Library homepage  and under Free Visitor Resources select  Search the  Catalog. The initial search screen for the catalog allows for a general keyword search.  For a specific search such as for author, title, journal title, or subject select the Search tab and open the drop down menu to select a specific field to search.

Locating Journals or Articles in the Library

Where is your list of journal titles so I can check to see if you have the journal titles on my reference list?
The library does not have a printed list of journal titles and holdings. This information is available on the online catalog. Select Search the Catalog, one of the Free Visitor Resources on  the library homepage. You do not have to Login to UMC Resources. Select the grey tab Search. Click on the down arrow to open the drop down menu and select Journal Titles Browse
. Enter the entire title or the abbreviation. The catalog responds with an alphabetical list of journal titles.  Click on the title to see the complete record and holdings for that journal title.

Where do I search to find if the Rowland Medical Library has the journal title, volume  and year that I need?  
Select  Search the Catalog , one of the Free Visitor Resources on the library homepage. Select the grey Search tab and perform a Journal Titles Browse search. The catalog responds with an alphabetical list of titles. Select a journal title to view the main record for that title.  Scroll down the page to view a summary of holdings. The main record shows the years the library holdings cover for a particular title (e.g. 1972-2003).  Also, to the left of the main record click on Holdings
to view a detailed listing of each volume/year and its location in the library. 

I have found the Journal title I need listed in the online catalog, but no call number is given.  How do I locate the journal title on the library shelves?
Journals are arranged alphabetically by title. Current journal holdings are located alphabetically by title on the display racks on the main floor of the library in front of the northern windows. Once the journals are bound, they are housed on the second floor of the library.  Holdings information in the online catalog gives the location of a specific volume number.  In some instances the location in the Holdings record is given as Incompletes which means that some issues are held in the Library Office Area on the second floor.  In that case, ask the reference librarian for assistance. 

Why can’t I find the journal article I want in the library catalog?  I tried using both the author and title of the article.
Journal articles are not included in the library catalog.  You can search for Journal titles in the library catalog. Search for journal articles in one of the electronic databases.

Where do I search to find complete citation information for a journal article, for which I have partial information (such as the journal title and author’s name)?  
Login to UMC Resources
on the Library homepage and select the down arrow beside Make Selection Here to open the drop down menu.  Select Electronic Databases. If the reference to verify is health sciences related, scroll down the page and select NLM PubMed, found listed under the category Other Health Science Databases.   On the PubMed main search page choose Single Citation Matcher  located  on the left side of the screen,   On the forms screen enter the  information you do have and submit search.  All options on the forms screen do not have to be completed. PubMed allows searching the MEDLINE database from 1953 to the present.   You can consult a reference librarian for assistance.

Where do I look to find a library that subscribes to a journal title we do not have?  
Users do not need to know a location or holding library when requesting an interlibrary loan for a journal title the library does not own.   More information on Interlibrary Loan requests is available in FAQ/ILL.

Locating Books in the Library  

I copied a call number from the online catalog, but could not locate the book on the shelf upstairs.  Where do I need to look?
Be sure you have complete information from the online catalog. Scroll down the main record for a given title to view holdings information. The holdings show the number of copies and their status.  Select the Locations button to check for all possible locations within the library. Note if the book is listed as Available or if the date due is given.  If the item should be available and is not on the shelf, check study tables and the photocopy area. Ask the Reference librarian for assistance. You may have to complete a Missing Item card. In that case library staff will search for the item and contact you when it is located.

I have looked on the shelf and cannot find a book, which the online catalog shows is available.  Where is it?
First check study tables and the photocopy area. Then report the missing item to the staff at Circulation or to the Reference Librarian. You will be asked to complete a Lost or Missing Item card with appropriate information on the book, journal or AV item.  Library staff will search for the missing item.   When found, library staff will call you and hold the item for you for 3 days. If the item is not found library staff will let you know and you have a choice to request the item by interlibrary loan.   A missing item is searched for 6 months and then referred to the collection development department for possible replacement.  

Searching Databases for Specific Information 

Where do I search for articles in nursing journals?

The Ovid CINAHL database covers nursing and allied health literature from 1982 to the present. To access Login to UMC Resources and select Ovid databases under Quick Links.   An alternate approach is to select NLM PubMed located on the Electronic Database page. ( PubMed is free on the web at www.pubmed.gov ) Perform a PubMed search, select Limits and from the Subsets select, Nursing journals.

How can I find research articles in the nursing periodical literature?
There is more than one way. However, an easy and quick approach is to access the Ovid CINAHL database. Login to UMC Resources.  Perform a  CINAHL search. Then select the Research  button from the Limits options located just below the search box. Click on Perform search and this action will limit the results of the last completed search to research articles.  Consult a reference librarian for additional strategies.

Where do I search for journal articles on dental or dental hygiene topics?
Dental journals are indexed in MEDLINE and dental hygiene topics are included in CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). Consult a reference librarian for additional suggestions.

Can I limit a general search to articles in a special category or specialty?
Yes. In Ovid CINAHL use the following strategy. Perform a search or combine searches.  Then select the Limits icon located across the top tool bar on the Ovid main search screen. Scroll down the Limits screen  to the Special Interest Category box for selections: Case Management, Critical Care, Dental Care, Home Health Care, Hospice, Sports Medicine, Social Work and more. 
In Ovid MEDLINE perform search. Select the Limits icon located across the top tool bar on the main search screen.
There are two options. Select Subject Subsets such as Toxicology, Space Life Sciences and others. Select Journal Subsets for History of Medicine, Nursing Journals, Aids, Consumer Health, Dentistry. Health Administration and others.
The PubMed search engine offers Journal subsets located via the Limits option.

Where do I look to find information about the Evidence-Based Medicine approach to patient care?
For information on the EBM process, the concepts and the resources for EBM information consult the EBM tutorial, a power point program. To access Login to UMC Resources and open the drop down menu at Make Selection Here. Select Information Services/Evidence-Based Medicine Tutorial.

Do you have specialized resources to facilitate the search for ‘best-evidence’ information for a clinical, patient care question?
Yes. Login to UMC Resources and select Electronic Databases from the drop down menu. 
Scroll down the page to find:  
UpToDate  
InfoPOEMs  
NLM PubMed / Clinical Queries/Systematic Reviews  
Clinical Practice Guidelines Database
OVID MEDLINE/limit to Systematic Reviews  
OVID EBM Reviews  

I just want to search for guidelines. Do you have some specialized resources?
Yes. From the the drop down menu select Electronic Databases, scroll down the page to Other Health Science Databases and select Clinical Practice Guidelines Database/National Guideline Clearinghouse. Additional specialized guideline resources are listed on the Health Hyperlinks page. Under the heading Clinical Practice Guidelines, HSTAT is one of the more comprehensive resources listed there.

Do you have specialized databases for finding best evidence information in physiotherapy or occupational therapy? 
Yes. Login to UMC Resources. Open the drop down menu at Make Selection Here. Select Electronic Databases. Scroll down the page to Other Health Science databases. Select PEDro for evidence-based information for physiotherpay. Select OTseeker or select OT SEARCH for questions specific to occupational therapy.

Can I search MEDLINE files for citations published prior to 1966 online?
Yes. Ovid MEDLINE offers an OLDMEDLINE file covering citations from 1952 to 1965. Also, the OLDMEDLINE file is now integrated within the PubMed database and is available as a subset if required.. 

I do not have a library password or ID. Can I search the MEDLINE database free on the web?
Yes, the MEDLINE database is available from NLM via the PubMed search engine at www.pubmed.gov,

When do I request a reference librarian to do a literature search for me?
It is always appropriate to consult the reference staff on your search strategy and on the most appropriate databases available for your search.  However, the fee-based search service offered by the Reference Department is recommended when:
* You need to access a specialized fee-based database not available for searching to the general library public.
* You require comprehensive retrieval.
* Your search is complex and you prefer professional assistance.
* You have searched with little results and you require confirmation that there is no information on the topic.
*  You require monthly updates on a specific topic.

Full Text Information

Can I search for full text items in the library Online Catalog?  
Not directly. Perform a normal search, such as a general keyword search.  Select a record to view.  The main record for each item in the online catalog will include a note or URL address indicating if the Library provides an electronic version.  In most cases you can click on the URL to link to the full text.  Or you may have to exit the Library Catalog and select the Electronic Textbooks or Electronic Journals page to view the full text of the title found in the online catalog.

Where do I find some full text books online?  
Login to UMC Resources.  Select the down arrow beside Make Selection Here to open the drop down menu and select Electronic Textbooks.. For additional books covering a wide range of topics select Electronic Reference Sources on the drop down menu. Titles are listed alphabetically. Most titles are accessible from remote locations with your library ID/password.

How can I access your full text journals by title? I have some titles that I like to browse monthly.  
Login to UMC Resources. Select the down arrow beside Make Selection Here to open 
the drop down menu and select Electronic Journals.  This is an alphabetical list of journal titles that offer access to full text information for the years/volumes specified.  Individual journal titles may be searchable by name or keyword. Some titles can be accessed only on campus and others may require a unique password for off-campus access.  Contact the Reference Department 984-1231 for assistance if necessary.

How can I access full text journal articles in database searching? I do not have time to go to the shelf and pull journals and copy articles.  
Many databases include full text information. The following list highlights some useful databases containing full text information.  It is not meant as an exhaustive guide. Note this approach would omit relevant articles found in print format on the library shelves.

To access Login to UMC Resources and go to Quick Links:

For more full text databases select the arrow beside Make Selection Here to open the drop dow menu          and select  Electronic Databases.  Scroll down the page:  

Where can I find full-text 'best evidence' information applicable to patient care?   
Login to UMC Resources and select Electronic Databases from the drop down menu. Scroll down the page to find:  

Where can I find full text patient information?  
Login to UMC Resources
. Open the drop down menu and select  Patient Education Center. Select UMC Patient ED Database to search for handouts used within UMC. Some titles are in full text.  For more topics, sSelect NLM MedlinePLUS a free consumer health database from the National Library of Medicine. In addition there are two useful consumer databases  listed on the electronic database page: MDConsult and under the  Consumer Health category, Ebsco Health Source: Consumer Edition

Leisure Books

May I suggest new titles for the leisure reading collection?
Yes, any library user may suggest titles for our leased collection of leisure reading books. Approximately fifty new titles are added each month. Users may also recommend new titles for the general health sciences collection, reference, consumer health and multi-media material. Recommendations for purchase forms are available at the reference desk.   To complete an electronic request form Login to UMC Resources and select Information Services from the drop down menu at Make Selection Here. Select Library Purchase Recommendations
.

When do you receive new books for the leisure reading collection?
New fiction and nonfiction books for the library’s leisure reading collection are selected and ordered once a month. Of the 60 new titles selected each month, half will be fiction and the other half nonfiction.  About 150 titles are withdrawn every three months.  These books are returned to the vendor from whom they were leased. Leased books do not have to be returned within a time limit.  Popular titles are kept longer than books that are seldom checked out.

Why are the leisure reading books not shelved in the leisure reading area?
The leisure reading book collection is a rotating rental collection of 600 best sellers, both fiction and nonfiction. For ease of use, this collection is located in a high traffic area near the stairway and elevator. The leisure reading area itself is a quiet nook near the north windows on the main floor. This is a quiet area furnished with comfortable chairs for relaxing and reading.
  

Interlibrary Loan
 
The library does not have the book and a journal article that I need for my assignment. The librarian suggested I complete an interlibrary loan request.  What is this service?
The interlibrary loan service is a borrowing/lending system between libraries to provide users with items their own library does not have. The Rowland Medical Library participates in an interlibrary loan system and agrees to assume certain responsibilities as a lender and as a borrower. Participating libraries agree to submit requests according to ILL agreements within a specified locator system.  .

Who is eligible to use the interlibrary loan service?  
The interlibrary loan service at Rowland Medical Library is offered to UMC faculty, students and staff.

Does the Rowland Medical Library charge for processing an interlibrary loan request for UMC affiliates?  
Sometimes. If the lending library imposes a charge for the interlibrary loan request, these charges are passed on to the user. Most UMC faculty and research assistants have a departmental charge code to use for billing. Normal charges may be $11-15. A rush request may cost $15 -20.

How do I submit an interlibrary loan request?
Users may complete the Interlibrary Loan Request Form electronically. On the Rowland Medical Library web page go to Free Visitor Resources. Select Document Delivery/Interlibrary Loan Borrowing Request.  In the library, users may request a form at the Reference Desk.

How long does an interlibrary loan transaction take?
The average time for staff to process a request is about 7 – 14 working days.  Each request is processed individually according to its unique characteristics. Patrons are notified if a request requires more time for searching and negotiation with the owner institution.  Rush requests can be completed in 1-4 days.

Where do I look to find a library that subscribes to a journal title we do not have?
Users do not need to know the locator source or holding library when placing an interlibrary loan request for a journal title the library does not own.  Library staff perform these tasks as part of the interlibrary loan service to UMC faculty, students and staff.

Fines

My book was due on Friday so I put it in the book drop.  Why am I receiving a fine?
Materials are picked up from the remote book drops twice each day at 10 am and 3 pm except on Saturdays and Sundays.  If an item due on a Friday is put in the book drop after 3 pm it will not be picked up until Monday morning.  Thus it will be returned late resulting in a fine.  A pick-up schedule is posted on each remote book drop. Placing items in the book drop inside the library or outside the library in the foyer avoids the above situation because returned items are processed on the week-end.

I received a fine notice on one of the books I had checked out from the library and I can’t find the book.  I am afraid I have lost it.  What should I do?
Report a lost book to Circulation immediately. At the time a user reports an item lost, that date is noted on the user’s record leading to a smaller fine. The library and the user initiate a thorough search procedure for several days. If the item is not found after several days, the user must declare the book lost and make arrangements to replace it.  Fines stop accruing at the time the user declares the item lost. If the user does not inform the library that the book is lost, the fines continue to cumulate daily.

Book Collection/Purchases/Donations/Recommendations 

How do I make a purchase recommendation for the library?
Login to UMC Resources.  Access the drop down menu at Make Selection Here and select Information Services/Library Purchase Recommendations. Complete the form and submit.  
Alternately you may come to the library and request a Purchase form at the Reference Desk and complete it.  Note that all purchase suggestions must by approved by Departmental Chair or the Chief Administrator.

How many new books may I request at one time for the library to purchase?
There is no limit to the number of new book requests users may submit. Multiple recommendations for new books should be prioritized when submitted at the same time. The library does reserve the right to deny a patron’s book recommendation.

When may I recommend the library purchase a new book?
Patrons may recommend the library purchase a new book anytime throughout the year.  New orders are placed weekly, if funds permit. Once a book is approved, it is given priority.

How long does it take for the library to get a new book?
The time varies for each book. Most new orders are received within seven to fourteen days if the vendor has the title in stock. Books that are ordered directly from a publisher or an association take more time to be received. Some books are delayed because it has yet to be published, it is sold out or gone out-of-print.  All persons requesting a purchase are notified when the book is ready to circulate. Users are informed if the library is unable to fill the request.

Is the library interested in being given my old health sciences books?
Yes the library will gladly receive any old books a patron may wish to donate. You may bring your donation to the library or make arrangements for your donation to be picked up at your home or office by library staff.  All gifts are acknowledged in writing by the library.  A complete inventory of the books donated and their declared value for tax purposes are the responsibility of the donor.  Once the gift is received the library reserves the right to determine its disposition. To donate books contact the head of the collection development department and to donate journals, contact the serials librarian.