Using the Medical Library

Please see the factsheet Library Provision in Medicine for our full range of library services.

Issue Desk

The Issue Desk provides the full range of standard library services. These include loans, heavy demand issues, returns, recalls, reservations, inter-branch requests, inter-library loans, and fax collection.

A box is placed outside the Library for return of Heavy Demand books before the Library opens.

Enquiry Desk

The Enquiry Desk is situated on Floor 1 by the Issue Desk. It is open from 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday during term time for help with searching the online databases, using and troubleshooting Refworks and any other library-related queries.

Inter Library Loan Requests

The Inter Library Loans Service helps staff and students obtain material that is not held by the University Library. Through the Inter Library Loan network, the Library is able to borrow items and obtain photocopies from other libraries in the United Kingdom and abroad. Books, reports, theses, and issues of periodicals or articles may be requested.

• Submitting an ILL Request
• ILL voucher charges

You will need an Inter Library loan voucher before you submit your request. 

Payment (by voucher) is required, in advance, for every request made. You can buy ILL vouchers at the Medical Library Issue desk. They may also be available through your departmental library representative.

NHS Grampian staff should apply for inter library loans through Shelcat. Further information on this service may be found here. All enquiries about this service and the progress of a request should be made directly to the Library and Knowledge Service at the Royal Cornhill Hospital.

NHS Grampian staff who wish to use the university Inter Library Loan Service, may do so by completing an ILL form and purchasing a voucher. Please contact the Medical Library for further information.

Access

• Access via the Polwarth Building on the Foresterhill Campus (map)
• Ramp at the Cornhill Road entrance
• Ramp at the entrance near the Suttie Centre
• Lift on the main staircase of the Polwarth Building to all floors (the Library is on Floor 1)
• Lift in the Medical Library to all floors, but very narrow, with high control buttons
• Four floors with no internal steps; the Basement fire exit is very narrow and unsuitable for wheelchairs. Library staff are happy to bring material to wheelchair users requiring access to Basement material
• Accessible MFD (multi-function device for photocopying and scanning)
• Accessible lavatory for disabled staff and students available outside the Auditorium, Polwarth Building, very close to the Medical Library

Facilities

Two PCs with enhanced software and height-adjustable tables are available on Floor 1. Priority access is given to disabled users.

An Assistive Technology Booth is available on the Floor 1. This single occupancy room is available for use by disabled students. It provides assistive software for those who need it. The booth has swipe-card access for authorised users online booking is available for the booth. Further information is available on the Assistive Technology web pages.  

Further Information

The library guide Accessible Library Facilities and Services has more  information for disabled students.