What are the Library’s opening hours?
How can I gain access to the Library during unstaffed hours?
How can I find a book on a particular subject?
How many books may I borrow and for how long?
Will I be charged for overdue items?
How do I borrow books when the Library is unstaffed?
Can I renew my books without visiting the library?
How do I register for an NHS OpenAthens account?
I have forgotten my Athens username/password. How do I get a new one?
I’ve found a useful article reference, how can I get hold of the full-text article?
Where is the Library?
The Library is next to the Education Centre on the ground floor of East Wing at Dorset County Hospital.
What are the Library’s opening hours?
The Library is staffed between 8.30am and 5pm – Monday to Thursday, 8.30am-4.30pm – Friday.
How can I gain access to the Library during unstaffed hours?
Members of staff who wish to visit the Library out of hours can do so with their Trust ID card. For more details please email library.office@dchft.nhs.uk
How can I find a book on a particular subject?
If you are looking for a particular book it is best to look at the library (SWIMS) catalogue which can be found here.
How many books may I borrow and for how long?
Registered users may borrow up to twelve books at a time, usually for 28 days although there are 14 day loans as well as reference only items.
Will I be charged for overdue items?
The Library does not charge for overdue items. Please speak to a member of staff for further details.
How do I borrow books when the Library is unstaffed?
Books can be borrowed using the Library’s out of hours service. Please speak to a member of staff for further details.
Can I renew my books without visiting the library?
You can request to renew your books by telephone (01305 255248) or by email (library.office@dchft.nhs.uk) or, as long as the borrowed item has not been reserved, you can renew your books online using your SWIMS number (the barcode beginning with ‘U’ on the back of your Library card) on the SWIMS website.
How do I register for an OpenAthens account?
Registering with OpenAthens is easy. Once you have received your username and password you can access electronic resources from both work and home. Please register here.
I have forgotten my Athens username/password. How do I get a new one?
The password reset page is here.
Tip: You can use the email you registered with instead of your username or contact library.office@dchft.nhs.uk
I’ve found a useful article reference, how can I get hold of the full-text article?
Many articles can be accessed via OpenAthens but if you come across an article you can’t get hold of we might be able to source it for you via our library network. Just email library.office@dchft.nhs.uk with the reference details and we will do our best to source it for you. You will need to register with the library for this service.