Health Sciences Students: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. May I join my local NHS library as well as the University Library?

Yes, if you are an NHS employee or on placement in an NHS organisation. Otherwise, you may use NHS libraries for reference purposes only (this includes use of self-service photocopiers for which there will be a charge). If you work or are on placement in Hampshire & Isle of Wight, you may use any NHS library in this area. If you are based outside this area, you should use your local NHS library.

Q. How do I find out about the NHS library services that may be available to me?

Basic information will be available at your University Library induction session. Use the Health Library and Information Services Directory, www.hlisd.org, to locate details about NHS Libraries and Librarians across the U.K.

Q. Do the NHS libraries offer the same resources and facilities as the University Library?

Broadly speaking, yes. However, only the University library is funded specifically for your course. The NHS libraries will not always have items on reading lists. For course-related interlibrary loans and for training in the use of electronic information sources, you will have to use the University Library.

Another difference is that the NHS libraries provide access to different selections of databases and electronic resources. To access the NHS e-resources you need an NHS Athens account. To access the University e-resources you need to use your University username and password at a University of Portsmouth branded screen.

Q. May I join more than one NHS library?

Yes, but you must complete a membership form for each one that you join.
You may be able to register the same NHS library card – remember to take it with you as you visit different NHS libraries – particularly in southern England.

Q. How do I request items from the University Library when I can't get there in person?

If you are on a part-time or distance learning course or a placement you can use the Distance Learning Serviceto obtain books and photocopies of articles from our stock. You will have to pay for the return of loaned material.

If we do not have items we may be able to obtain them from another library using the free inter-library loan service:

You can print the ILL request form and post or fax it to the library. Photocopies will be sent to you at home, books must be collected in person from the University Library.

Q. To make the most of both libraries, I may want to borrow books from both. Can I return University Library books via my local NHS library, or vice versa?

No, unfortunately there is no transport between the different libraries. Books must be returned to the library that you borrowed them from. You can post our books back to us please use Parcelforce 48 or Special Delivery

Q. What is an Athens account?

An Athens account is one form of authentication which shows you are a member of a certain institution and have the right to access their electronic subscriptions which could be journals, databases or e-books. The NHS uses this system to give access to their resources. The NHS gives you a "classic" account - this is a username and password registered at Athens and can be used on the main Athens login screen.

The University uses a variety of methods to grant access to resources. The main one is now "Shibboleth" but a few resources still require Athens. For both these services your University username and password can be used as your login. This means when using an Athens authenticated resource you need to follow the "Alternative login" link and find a University of Portsmouth branded page.

Q. How do I obtain an NHS Athens account / University username and password?

Your University username and password is usually sent out to you with your Campus Card. Information about University accounts canl be found on the Information Services web pages.

To get an NHS Athens account, you must be either a member of NHS staff or a student currently on clinical placement in the NHS. Register online using an NHS computer and you will get your account details on completion of the online form. If you use a non NHS connected computer it will take 15 days or more to get your details as your eligibility will be checked manually. You must be able to give an e-mail address when completing the online form. If you work, or are on placement, within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight select South Central SHA.

Q. How long do Athens accounts last?

Your University Athens account lasts for the duration of your course if you are a student, or for the duration of your contract if you are a member of staff.

Your NHS Athens account will last for 2 years (or until the end of your placement or contract if this is sooner). If you are still eligible at the end of this period, you will be able to renew your account.

Q. Do I have to pay for articles?

Sometimes you will be offered an article for a fee, in this case check you are logged on correctly either through Athens or Shibboleth, if this makes no difference apply for an interlibrary loan for the item which is free.

Our library catalogue and the E-Journals A-Z Listing will help you identify whether an article is freely available via the University.

The NHS offer a "my journals" guide which you can find at www.library.nhs.uk/booksandjournals/journals/

Q. Why doesn’t a University Resource accept my University login?

Most of our resources now use the Shibboleth/Institution/Federated route. Look on the supplier’s login page for such a heading then select UK Access Management Federation which should bring up a list of Institutions where you will find a link to the University of Portsmouth, select this and enter your University details when asked.

If you have been using your NHS Athens account this may cause confusion. Try closing your browser and starting again.

If you are certain you are using the right access pages and your login still isn’t working check your account by trying to log in to the Student Portal or your Victory area. If your username and password do not work here contact the IS Service Desk

Q. Can I use my University resources from my NHS workplace?

Yes, most of our resources are available from off campus but it is worth checking either the Library Catalogue entry or the Subject Directory entry for the resource you are trying to use. These entries are set up to help you find the correct login screen. If you have set your machine to remember your NHS Athens details there might be some conflict when you try to access our resources. Ensure you are logged out of your NHS Athens account before trying to use our resources.

An easy way to check this is to go to www.athens.nhs.uk Click on the MyAthens button and see if your account details come up. Use the logout button here if they do.

Remember that the NHS computer network is very tightly controlled. You may find that firewalls block some of the University provided material.

Q. Can I use my NHS Athens account from a PC in the University?

Yes, but it will only give you access to NHS resources. Remember www.library.nhs.uk is a good guide to these. Again, you might find occasional conflicts as the services may pick up on University information rather than your NHS Athens account. It might be better to restart an Internet session, before using your NHS Athens account.

Q. Can I check what resources my Athens account gives me access to?

Go to http://www.athensams.net/myathens/ and enter your NHS Athens username and password to see a list of all resources that the NHS provides. Remember to use the Alternative Loginfrom the above page to check your University resources. You can access any of the listed resources directly from the resource lists.

Use our Library Catalogue, the Subject Directory and the A-Z electronic journals listing to explore our wide range of Internet resources.

Q. Who do I contact if I have any problems with accessing electronic resources?

University of Portsmouth Library:

E-mail elibrary@port.ac.uk
Tel: 023 9284 3228/9

NHS Library Service:

Check out your local NHS Library on this website:
http://www.hlisd.org/
Although often based in Hospitals these usually offer
services to all NHS staff in their area including primary care.