Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, contact the library, or Ask a Librarian.
Where is the library?
We're on the first floor of the west building, part of the Health Education and Learning Precinct.
How do I access the library after hours?
Access is for all staff in possession of a hospital ID; swipe at the door to enter and exit. Items must not be removed from the library after hours. There is no after hours access for medical students.
Can I print/photocopy/scan in the library?
Yes. Charges apply for printing and photocopying; scanning to email is free. You need either a department PIN or a personal account. Ask library staff for details.
Can I get help with a literature search?
Yes! Submit a search request online, sign up for some free training, or contact us and arrange a time for our trainer to do a search with you.
Which databases does the library have access to?
We have a range of databases for journal reference, evidence-based literature, drug information, and standards. See databases for access.
How do I access databases or online journals off site?
See Fact Sheet no.13: Remote access.
I can't remember my Athens username; how can I log in?
Use the email address you signed up with, along with your password, to log in. Your will find your username in the original activation email you received after registering, or contact us and we will retrieve it for you.
I can't remember my Athens password; can you tell me what it is?
We are not permitted, even as admins, to see your password for security and privacy reasons. You can reset your password, or contact us and we will send you a new activation email.
Athens error: "This account has been deactivated"; what should I do?
Usually this means that the account was not activated within 30 days of registering. Contact us and we'll send you a new activation email.
I'm trying to access a journal off-site using Athens; why won't it give me access.
You can only access journals that the library subscribes to, not to every journal that offers an Athens sign-in point. Always check the journals list to see what we have access to. Use our Document Delivery service to request items not held by the library.
How do I get the full title of an abbreviated journal?
For Health-Sciences journals type the abbreviated title into the PubMed Journals database. For other disciplines, try All That JAS: Journal Abbreviation Sources.
Why do PDF articles from ScienceDirect open in a blank page?
This problem happens in IE7 (Internet Explorer 7). If it's not possible to use another browser, try right-clicking and "Open in a new window", or go to the full article page and use the PDF link at the top of the article.
Does the library have copies of EndNote available for install?
Yes! Come to the library front desk and ask to borrow the disk. Requires a valid library card. Join the library now.
How do I get journal articles or books that the library doesn't have?
If you have already checked our journals list or the
catalogue and determined that we really don't have the item you
want, use our Document Delivery service. Find out more about this
service, or make a request.
My books are overdue; how do I renew them?
Renew online by logging into the catalogue with your library card barcode,
or contact the library.
How do I order a book or journal for my department to buy?
How do I suggest a book for the library to buy?
Contact the library manager with suggestions or feedback about the library collection.
Why don't you have any online books?
We do! See all online books in the catalogue. Yellow stickers on print titles on the library shelves indicate when an online version is available. See more information about online books and searching the catalogue.
Who can join the library?
Staff and some students of RCH are eligible to borrow. See Borrowing from the library.
How many items can I borrow and for how long?
How do I renew my library card?
How do I get items from the Historical Collection?
These items are only available during business hours. Ask library staff for access.
Does the library keep newspapers?
We no longer keep newspapers.
