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Other Libraries

Although the Learning Resources Centres should provide most of the information you need to support your course, occasionally you may need specialised books or journal articles, which we do not hold. You may need to use the inter-library loans service or visit another library.

The virtual NHS library

If your course includes placement in a NHS Trust (or you are employed by a Trust attending University part-time), you are entitled to a NHS Athens account. This will give you access to the Core Collection of mental health electronic books, electronic journals and databases. Look at the website of the NHS Evidence Health Information Resources (formerly National Library for Health) for more information. Or contact your local NHS library, as explained below.

Local NHS libraries

The University has reciprocal arrangements with the libraries serving the local Trusts. Some of these are located within the hospitals where the Education Centres are based and others are in the community. At the start of your course it is worth identifying which of these might prove useful to you. You can also obtain an Athens account for resources from the NHS libraries which will give you access to extra electronic journals, databases and a large collection of electronic mental health books.

If you are based in Buckinghamshire, look at the Library Charter for placement students working in the South Central Strategic Health Authority for more information.  If you are based in Bedfordshire, contact your closest NHS library and ask about their Access Policy for Placement Students.  To find your closest NHS library look at the Health Library & Information Services Directory.

SCONUL Access

This co-operative scheme allows students of the university to access libraries of other institutions. If you are a University of Bedfordshire student wanting to visit another University, look at their website to find out whether you qualify for the scheme.

M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries

If you live in the M25 area, you may want to use the libraries of other acadmic institutions. To check which libraries you may visit and what materials they offer have a look at the M25 website.

Other health libraries

The Royal College of Nursing Library (RCN) offers free library access and a loan service to RCN members. If you are not a member you will be charged on a daily basis. You will need a letter of introduction (to be posted in advance) and to make an appointment before you visit. See the RCN's website for further details.

The Kings Fund works for 'better health in London' The Information & Library Service is open to the public. It may be of interest if you are working on your dissertation for your degree. Particular subject strengths of their library collection are community care, NHS management, clinical governance, primary care and public health.

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