CIRCULATION SERVICES  

What is Circulation Services ?

Circulation Services is a service whereby  materials may be borrowed from the library for a certain number of days and  then returned to the library.

Who may borrow materials ?               

All NWAFH employees are eligible to borrow library materials.  

How many items can I borrow at one time and for how long?

The maximum number of items which may be borrowed at any time is as follows: Books:four(4) , Journals: four  (4) , AV (videos / Audio tapes): two (2) ,  Slides:  Decision to be left at the discretion  of   the Circulation Desk staff ,  Posters: two (2).       

Loan Types / Loan Period / Renewals 

Which  materials may not  be borrowed ?

The following materials are considered as Reference only and are non- circulating and not  eligible for borrowing: 

Books located in the Reference Books area . 
The  latest issues of journals, displayed in  the Current Journals area.
Other items such as   bibliographies, dictionaries, indices, serials lists.

 How do I borrow materials ?

Take all materials to be borrowed to the Circulation Desk for clearance. Before leaving the library please ensure that all items have been properly checked out for you. There is a security system in operation and any library item  which has not been de-sensitized will activate an alarm at the library’s exit.      

Where do I return materials ?

Return materials to the library during the library’s working hours , and deposit them in  the Book Return slot, inside the library.  Do  not return them  through the Interdepartmental mail ,or  give them to  another person to be returned .

May I renew materials ?  

Yes, you may renew books. See Table above.

What do I do if I  have overdue materials ? Will I get a fine?

Borrowers are expected to abide by the date due  stamped on the materials. If you have a book that is overdue please return it or renew  it . Fines are not implemented on overdue materials.

What happens if I lose or damage library material ?

You  are responsible for the safe - keeping of all library materials issued in  your name.( Please see PPG  Number HP 6. 017 entitled Replacement of Lost and  Damaged Library Materials on  the library’s bulletin  board.

May I reserve / place a hold  on materials  borrowed  by another user ?  

Yes you  may place a hold on an item loaned to a borrower, in order to reserve that item. You  willbe notified when the item is available.  It shall be held for not more than two  (2) library   working days, before it is re-shelved.

May I  take bags /briefcases / handbags / back packs/ food/drinks in the library ? 

No,  these items may  not be taken inside  the library , and  must  be left at the entrance to the library. The library staff   reserves the right to search any bag brought into the library.

Can I lose my borrowing privileges ?

The library reserves the right to suspend borrowing privileges for breach of library policies and  procedures.

For more information see the Circulation  PPG :HP6.21, on the library’s bulletin board.

BACK TO TOP

DATABASE TRAINING

The library staff provides training in using in-house and online databases such as PubMed, Up To Date, E-Medicine and online journal sites, etc. Training includes basic and advanced searching techniques.

Advance registration is required. Due to space restrictions a minimum of four people can be trained at one time.

Telephone the Information Desk at 85-605 to book your training session.

BACK TO TOP

DOCUMENT DELIVERY

What is document delivery and who may use the service ? 

A document delivery service  takes place when a document  is obtained from another library in order to fill a user's request for materials not owned by the library. This service is available to all programme employees at no charge. 

The scope , limitations, and restrictions of the service.

Only materials which meet the study, patient  care, and research needs of users shall be provided.

Due to the risk of losses when sending books through  the postal service , only journal articles  may be requested from other libraries.

How do  I request a document ? 

Consult the Serials Holdings in this website under " Periodical Holdings " , or ask the library staff  to ensure that the material  requested is not already owned by the library.

Complete the form entitled Health Sciences Library Interlibrary Loans, situated at the Information Desk and hand it  to the library staff.

For more information see the Interlibrary Loans / Document Delivery  PPG :HP6.14, on the library’s bulletin board.

BACK TO TOP

INFORMATION SERVICES

What is the Information Service and who may use it?

Information services is a service whereby library staff provides  information related to patient care, health related information and job-related information  to users of the library. All  employees of the NWAFH Programme may use this service.

What are the goals of the Information Service ?

To provide accurate and timely answers through mediated searches, to the majority of information requests using the library's reference resources. 

To facilitate access to library reference resources through the use of training , empowering users  to be more independent in the use of such resources. 

To assist users in the development of search strategies.

To evaluate the reference services on a periodic basis using appropriate means.

How do I access this service? 

You may complete a Literature Request Form , available  at the Information Desk and  hand it to the staff who will conduct the search for you.

For more information see the Public Services-Reference  PPG :HP6.013, on the library’s bulletin board.

BACK TO TOP

Internet Services

Who may use the Internet ?

Programme employees may search the Internet for the sole purpose of searching for patient care and work related information.  Searching  sites for personal use , for example,  chatting , e -mail,  etc,  is prohibited.  

When is it available ?

The Internet is available  on  all computers,  Saturday through Wednesday from 7:30   to  20:00  and  on Thursdays from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.  Access  time shall be restricted to one (1) hour,  per person, per day . Additional access time is dependent  on availability.

Bookings

Bookings may be made up to one (1) working day in advance, using a booking  form  located at the Information  desk. Employees must make bookings in  person. No telephone bookings  will be  accepted ,  except for employees working at the King Khalid Hospital and the peripheral clinics. Bookings made on behalf of others will not be accepted.  See the Health Sciences Library Internet Booking Form located at  the Information desk. Vacant times shall be  available on a first come, first serve basis. Employees using vacant times must check in at the Information desk and sign the booking form. 

For more information see the  Library Internet Usage  PPG , HP 6.016 , on the library’s bulletin  board.

BACK TO TOP

LIBRARY ORIENTATION

All new hires shall receive an orientation to the library’s hours, services, resources, collections, facilities and PPGs, as part of their general orientation to the hospital. The library is notified by the In-Service Department one week in advance who brings the new employees to the library for the orientation.

Orientations can also be provided on a walk-in basis but an advanced booking is preferred. If you have not had an orientation to the library and would like one, please call 85-719  to arrange a date and time convenient for you. 

BACK TO TOP