CAHS Library: FAQs

Does CAHS Medical library offer Library education and training?

Staff are encouraged to access online tutorials available via library website to assist with self-directed learning. For further support, please contact Librarian.

• Yes.  Please complete the Library Education Session Request form on the bottom right-hand side of   Library webpage.
• The Library provides sessions on all our resources. We offer one-on-one training (by appointment only) as well as group training.  Requests to support clinical care are given priority over all other session requests.
• Time slots - 9:00 am - 12;00pm 0R 1:30 pm - 3:30pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• Flexibility available for urgent/critical patient care.
• University students or staff studying with an affiliated university will need to liaise with their university librarian.

What is Endnote & how do I get it for my computer?

• EndNote is a bibliographic software program that allows you to store references & PDFs on your computer so you can easily generate bibliographies in specific styles.
• The WA Health Libraries Network (WAHLiN) has purchased a WA Health-wide EndNote licence giving staff & students access to EndNote.  If you can't find the Endnote icon via START button, please contact HSS.
• To download EndNote on your home computer see our Endnote Guide .

Can I get help with Endnote?

• Yes.  To book a session on EndNote (individual or group, in the Library or your department) complete the Library Education Session Request form on the top right - hand under Library Services.
• To solve a specific problem(s) come to the Library with your EndNote library on a USB/external hard drive/laptop Or book a Library Education Session Request.
• You might also find a solution to your problem in our Endnote Guide 

Below are a list of commonly asked questions and answers that can assist with your query 24/7.

When is the Library open?

How many items (books, DVDs, journals) can I borrow & for how long?

• Maximum of 10 items (books, DVDs) at a time.
• Loan period is 4 weeks with two more renewals if there are no reservations on the item.
• Short loan period for high demand items - 1 - 2 weeks

Students on placement borrowing priviledge:

• Maximum of 5 items (books, DVDs) at a time.
• Loan period is 2 weeks with one more renewal if there are no reservations on the item.
• Short loan period for high demand items - 1 - 2 weeks
• Please return all items to library prior to termination of your employment at CAHS.
• No inter-library loans.

How do I know when my items are due back and can I renew them?

• Go to the Library Catalogue
• Click My account (under 'My Library' on the right)
• Enter your name and barcode (provided on registration) and click Submit
• A list of your borrowed items will appear with the due dates
• Click Renew All or tick the items you wish to renew and click Renew Selected
• If its your third renewal or the items are overdue, the library management system won't allow renewal as the item/s have become past the overdue date.  Best practice is to renew prior to receiving a notice that the item/s are overdue.
• Phone the Library on for quick, urgent queries only - 64564212 OR  6456 4209 .  For detailed discussion please email -  CAHS.MedicalLibrary@health.wa.gov.au 

How can I return books/items when the library is closed?

• There is a RFID self-checkout KIOSK available to users 24/7.  Please follow prompts via KIOSK.  Alternatively leave books (only if loaned from another library) on library trolley with a note next to reference desk.
• If any issues with self-check in/out KIOSK, please see staff for returning items between 8:30a.m - 3:30pm.

Can I put a hold on a book/DVD/journal that is checked out to someone else?

• Yes , you can give the details of items to library staff in person, email, OR put in a Book / Chapter Request 

Can I borrow a book from one of the other health libraries?

• Yes, give the details of item to library staff via email, OR put in a Book / Chapter Request 

I have a reference/citation for a journal article - how can I find out if the Library has the article?

Please note:  Library registration is required for Article/book loan requests.

• Go to homepage  and click on the Journal Title Search tab.
• Type the title of the journal in the search box. Click Go.
• Click the find it @CAHS icon next to the relevant journal to see if the Library has access to the required year & issue either online or in print. If not, click 'We'll get it for you via Document Delivery' and complete the online form.
• If the title doesn't appear you need to place a request via the Article Request/Book / Chapter Request  form found  on the bottom right - hand corner of library homepage.
• Use the Article Request form for articles.   You must be registered with the library to request articles.  Please note that articles with a cost to the library is to be requested if deemed critical to acute patient care.

How can I find out if the Library has a specific book/DVD?

• Go to the Library catalogue.
• Type in keywords or select title from the drop-down menu and type the exact title in the search box. Click Submit.
• Look under Status to see if the book is available, on loan or not for loan.
• To limit the search to DVDs click the Advanced Keyword link (under Advanced Search on the right) & choose 'Videos, films' under Material Type, then type your title in the search box & click submit.

Can I request a book the library doesn't have?

• All CAHS staff can request books and articles from other libraries via the Book / Chapter Request link on the left under Library Services.

Which library do I request a book or journal article from if I work across 2 or more locations?

• Please make your request for a book or journal article from your home library. If you spend an equal amount of time at each location you need to register at both / all libraries.
• To register with the CAHS Medical Library complete the Register with the library form on the top left  of homepage.

Can I request  a literature search?

• Unfortunately, CAHS Library no longer provides this service.  To resume this service, we need more staffing.

I think the Library should have this book/DVD/Journal - can I ask you to purchase it?

• Yes if our budget permit.  Complete the Recommend New Material form on the bottom right-hand corner of library webpage.
• Or send the details to: CAHS.MedicalLibrary@health.wa.gov.au        
• If you are ordering this item for your department Dept Book Order, simply indicate on the order form that you would like the Library to purchase a copy as well.

How do I order a book/DVD for my department?

• If your on-site access is not working, please contact HSS ( ICT Service Desk)
• If your access off-site is not working please follow the directions below.

How can I access the Library's online resources from home / another hospital?

• CAHS staff with PCH on-site computer log-in can access the Library's online resources off-site using the same log-in.
• If your log-in is not working off-site please contact HSS ( ICT Service Desk) - 13 44 77
• CAHS staff located at another site & staff from other WA Health sites temporarily working or studying at PCH will need to apply for EzProxy access - please see our Off-Site Access information on the table above.   

Please allow up to 48 hours for access to be activated by HSS.

I am a student at PCH - how can I access the Library's online resources?

• If you are a university student you can only access the Library's online resources within the Library.
• If you are a student completing a PCH/CAHS course, you have full access rights & can access online resources off-site. If you are also a CAHS staff member, log-in using your HE number and password. If not, please contact HSS (ICT Service Desk) - 13 44 77

Does the library have an image library?

• Approximately 2 million images and associated multimedia are available from ClinicalKey alone, and may be used in your PowerPoint presentations or papers. Attribution is required. Activation of personal account is required for any downloads.
• CAHS has an Media/Communications with an image library, graphic and poster design service and more.