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Health Resources Library
Deborah Gilbert, MLS, Director
The Health Sciences Library maintains a collection of print and electronic materials supporting the information needs of all those working or studying at the hospital. Staff of the Library also provides training in accessing information using databases and retrieving electronic full-text documents. A Family Library provides consumer health information, recreational materials and computer access for patients and their families. This past year, Ms. Gilbert and her staff continued to develop electronic access to information. Of the 296 health care journal subscriptions, 94 percent are now available electronically. Additionally, 77 medical textbooks are available in electronic format. Almost all documents requested via interlibrary loans arrive in PDF format, meaning that library staff can forward the article via email to the requestor's desktop rather than requiring paper pick up. Children's Board of Visitors provided grant funding for nine additional computers to increase access for library patrons who do not have computer access at a dedicated workstation. Currently, a total of 14 computer workstations are available in the library for hospital staff, patients, and their families.
Literature Searches
Librarians provide access to electronic databases of the book and journal literature and to the Internet. Patrons can do their own searches in the Medical Library or at their Children's desktop. They may also request that a librarian do their searches. Telephone or e-mail search requests are welcome, and the searches, which can be done the same day or within the hour in the event of an emergency, can be faxed or e-mailed to the requester. The librarians do not charge for the search unless there is a charge to use the database.
Interlibrary Loans
Librarians can obtain reprints and books not available in the Children's library collection from other sources. Normal turn-around time is approximately a week for reprints and several weeks for books, but we can obtain items quickly by fax or messenger in the event of an emergency. We observe copyright laws and guidelines in the delivery of this service. The library charges cost centers in accordance with a quota system.
Photocopy Services
Library patrons can make copies of non-circulating library materials at the photocopier or from computers available in the Medical Library. If a patron is off-site and needs a copy urgently, a library staff member will do the copying and fax the article. Patrons who are not affiliated with Children's must pay for copies photocopied or printed from a computer. Affiliated patrons are charged for copying non-library materials or printing non-health-related items from a computer.
Circulation Policy
Children's employees and authorized students can check out books and audiovisuals for two weeks from the medical library. Journals do not circulate. Family Library-Inpatients, their families, and staff working with patients may check out materials for one week from the Family Library. Patients in isolation have access to a special give-away collection.
Orientation & Training
Both the Medical and Family Library staff will provide orientations upon request to individuals and groups. The medical librarians provide training in literature searching and Internet use one-on-one or in small groups by appointment. Librarians also offer scheduled training sessions for small groups. Ask for details.
Book Cart and Story Reading Services
Volunteers visit the inpatient units several times a week during the day and evening hours to distribute books to patients and their families. Please call x4055 to request a special visit.
Gift Policy
The librarians accept gifts of books, journals, magazines and non-print media provided the donations are reasonable in number, are current, do not necessarily duplicate titles already held, and are in good condition. We accept gifts with the understanding that they may not be added to the Children's collections, but might be sent to other libraries or sold at a used-book sale. The librarians acknowledge all gifts in writing. They do not estimate the value of the donation, or provide detailed lists of titles given.
Contact Information:
Deborah Gilbert, MLS, AHIP
Director of Learning Resources
Children's National Medical Center
111 Michigan Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-476-3195
202-476-5318 fax
dgilbert@cnmc.org
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