FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I join the library?

    To join the library please complete our online registration form.

    If you are transferring from another SWIMS library then please contact us so that we can transfer your library account.

    01803 656700    library.tsdft@nhs.net

  • Where is the Library and Knowledge Service?

    The Library and Knowledge Service is located on the main hospital site in Torbay. We are on the lower ground floor of the Horizon Centre. Please click here for map.

  • What are the library's opening hours?

    The Library is staffed 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (apart from bank holidays). Out-of-hours swipe access is available to library members with TSDFT trust ID badges.

  • Can I access the library outside of staffed hours?

    Yes, out-of-hours swipe access is available to library members with TSDFT trust ID badges. Please press your ID card to the access box outside the library’s main entrance.

    It may also be possible, in some cases, to arrange out-of-hours access for library members without ID badges. Please contact a member of the library team for more information.

  • Can I borrow books out-of-hours?

    If you have out-of-hours access (see FAQ above) then you can borrow books out-of-hours using the library’s self service machine. Please note: in order to use the self service machine you will need your library card.

  • Do I have to come into the library to renew my books?

    Books can be renewed online via the library’s catalogue.

    Choose the ‘Login’ option from the menu and enter your username and pin. If you have not logged in to your library account before you will need to follow the instructions to create a pin and activate your account.

    You can also request a renewal by phone or email.

    Please note: books can only be renewed 3 times. Online renewals will be unsuccessful if the book is a restricted book, overdue or reserved by another library member. If your renewal is not successful please contact a member of the library team.

  • How many times can I renew my books?

    Books can be renewed a maximum of 3 times as long as they are not reserved by another library member. For information on how to renew your books please see above FAQ.

  • The article or book I need is not held here/out on loan. What can I do?

    If the article or book you require is not available from the library you can request it by filling out our online request form.

  • I've lost my library card, can I still borrow books?

    Books are borrowed via the library’s self service machine. In order to use the self service machine you will need your library card or library sticker. Please ask a member of the library team to give you a replacement.

  • What online resources does the library provide access to?

    A wide range of online search systems and resources are available to you. These include: ejournals; databases (e.g. Medline, Cinahl); Knowledge and Library Hub, ebooks (TSDFT staff); ClinicalKey (TSDFT staff).

    Find out more by visiting the resources section of our website.

    TSDFT staff and students can access all of the library’s online resources using their TSDFT computer login details.

    Staff from other NHS organisations will need to register for an NHS OpenAthens account.

  • Are computers available in the library?

    Computers are available in the quiet study area of the library. There is also one computer in the group study area and one in each of the three study rooms. A couple of laptops are also available to borrow for use in the library.

    All provide access to the ICON (intranet), Internet and Microsoft Office. Access to these is via your normal TSDFT login. A guest login is available during staffed hours.

    Headphones (without microphone) are available if required for elearning. Please ask a member of the library team.

  • Is there Wi-Fi in the library?

    Wi-Fi is available in the library. Trust issued laptops will be able to connect to the secure Wi-Fi.

    Public Wi-Fi is available for your own personal devices. No password is required.

    Please note that it is only possible to print from Trust issued laptops.

  • Does the library have a printer/scanner/photocopier?

    A4 printing is available – the printer is located in the group study area. Printing for work, study or research purposes is free. Printing for personal use requires a contribution of 5p per page.

    The printer also has scanning and photocopying functionality.

    It is not possible to print from a personal laptop/tablet/smartphone.

    Please note that it is your responsibility to adhere to any copyright restrictions.

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