CAHS Library: FAQs

CAHS staff with on-site computer log-in can also access the Library's online resources off-site using the same log-in.

• 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.

CAHS staff located at another site, and WA Health staff temporarily working at PCH will need to apply for EzProxy access via the following steps:

The form can only be accessed onsite:

• Click on the eHFN-030 Form.  Please use Microsoft Edge browser for this function.
• Log-in with your Username (HE number) and work PC Password.
• Click Change My Access.
• From the Application Name menu select EzProxy 
• Select Perth Children's Hospital.
• Click Submit (bottom of screen).
• If you experience any difficulties, please contact HSS on 13 44 77
  OR ​email-CAHS.MedicalLibrary@health.wa.gov.au         

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

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

• Maximum of 10 items 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 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 that is checked out to someone else?

• Yes, you can give the details of items to library staff in person/email/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 eJournal 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 year & issue you require. If no results, 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 under 'Forms' (top right-hand corner tab)
• 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?

• 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.

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 form.

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

• Please use your home library (initial point of registration) to request a book or journal article. 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.

Can I request a literature search?

• Unfortunately, CAHS Library no longer has capacity to provide this service.  However, Librarian provides Research Support/Literature search consultancy by appointment only.  Please submit -   Education Session/Literature Search Consultation 

I think the library should have this book/eJournal - can I ask you to purchase it?

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

How do I order a book for my department?

•  Please complete Dept Book Order form via the Forms tab on the CAHS Library website.
• We only purchase for departments who do not hold a purchase card.   Please see 'work instruction' link below.

CAHS Library resource purchase work instruction

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

• CAHS staff with PCH on-site access can use their work site computer login credentials to access the library's online resources when off-site.
• If your log-in is not working off-site, please contact HSS ( ICT Service Desk) - 13 44 77
• CAHS staff located at off-site & staff including temporary staff working or studying at PCH will need to apply for EzProxy access - please see our Off-Site Access information tab.  

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

What resources can I access on my mobile?

• All of the Library's online resources can be accessed via the internet on mobile devices by CAHS staff. But you get better functionality by using Mobile Apps. To download specific Mobile Apps see our mobile guide: Mobile Resources

Can I download eBooks to read offline?

• No. Our licensing does not allow eBooks to be downloaded. They are intended to be viewed via the publisher’s website. 

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.
• The library provides sessions on all subscribed resources. One-on-one training (by appointment only) is offered 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.
• To solve a specific problem(s) come to the Library with your EndNote library on a USB/external hard drive/laptop.  Please book a Library Education Session Request.
• You might also find a solution to your problem in our Endnote Guide 

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 a Media/Communications with an image library, graphic and poster design service and more.