Disruption to the library catalogue Wednesday the 5th & Thursday the 6th of December

Due to an essential software upgrade of our Library Management System, there will be disruption to our library catalogue starting late afternoon on Wednesday the 5th of December and lasting overnight into Thursday the 6th.

Computer Repair by Webiliz on Flickr

During this time there is likely to be limited or no access to the catalogue. Users (and library staff)  will be unable to search for, renew or reserve items until the upgrade is completed and we have undertaken some testing to ensure there are no problems.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Updated guides to using the major e-resources now available

If you get stuck trying to access electronic journals, need to know how to use the Cochrane Library, wonder how to find management information on Emerald Management First, or need to look up a drug on the BNF for Children, we can help.

We have recently updated the majority of our user guides. They offer a simple, step-by-step help, including many screen shots, on how to use the major electronic information resources available to NHS staff. As well as searching the databases you'll also find guides on NHS Evidence, Social Care OnLine, and more.

If you would like a guide to a resource we don't currently feature, let us know. We may be able to develop one...

To access all our of guides, please see our web site.

The library catalogue will be down late afternoon and overnight on Tuesday the 27th of November

Computer Maintenance, by AliCPhotography on Flickr.

The server that runs our library catalogue has reached the end of its life and we are having to replace it.

The migration to the new server and software installation will take place on Tuesday the 27th of November.  The process will start late afternoon and continue overnight. The system should be back up and running for the morning of the 28th.

This means for the duration of the work the library catalogue will be unavailable and users will not be able to search for, reserve or renew items. 

We apologise for the inconvenience, but it is essential we change the server now to ensure future stability of the system.

Eyes on Evidence - November

NHS Evidence

Eyes on Evidence is a free monthly e-bulletin from NHS Evidence which covers significant new evidence as it emerges, with an explanation about what it means for current practice.

The articles also contain hyperlinks to relevant articles, NHS Evidence and NICE guidance.

In this month's issue:

• Long-term outcomes after prenatal exposure to chemotherapy
• Difference in blood pressure readings between arms
• A multidisciplinary approach to treating tinnitus
• Relative risk of self-monitoring warfarin therapy
• Accreditation News - At its September meeting the NICE Accreditation Advisory Committee accredited 2 guidance programmes

To view the latest edition, browse the archive or subscribe by email, visit www.evidence.nhs.uk/about-us/publications

E-learning resource for doctors: apprasial and revalidation

The London Deanery have recently launched a set of e-learning resources to support doctors in appraisal and revalidation.

They are freely available for all doctors including primary care, secondary care and mental health and those in private healthcare.

The resources are aimed at supporting both appraisees and appraisers by providing guidance, tips and useful information about the appraisal process. 

These online learning modules take about 45 - 60 minutes to complete and cover a range of key  topics helpful for both appraisees and appraisers:  Getting the most out of your appraisal Top tips on developing your PDP  Quality improvement activity for appraisal and revalidation  Challenge in appraisal Calibrating supporting information in medical appraisal Tips for appraisers The modules are hosted on the BMJ learning platform and any doctor is able to register for free access.
As well as e-learning modules there are a collection of several short bite sized films (3-4 minutes) covering a range of key topics, helpful for both appraisees and appraisers :  Introduction to appraisal and revalidation GMC Domains Managing challenging situations in appraisals Multi Source Feedback and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires Reflection  Gathering Supporting Information

Books, books everywhere...

Tourniquet, by Nad on Flickr

We are always adding new items to stock across our libraries. If you want to see the latest items we have purchased you can find monthly lists on the Library web site, broken down by topic area. Of course you can also find all of our stock on the library catalogue.

We also have a new selection of on approval books in stock at the Berrywood and Richmond libraries. Our supplier sends us a selection of health related titles for our users to review. 
 
If you can spare the time, please come and have a look at the titles we have and recommend any that you think the library should purchase. This is your opportunity to ensure that the book stock in the libraries reflects your needs.

We would also be happy to receive any other recommendations for purchases for library stock.

Information skills training 2013

Laptop in classic library, a photo by vplsHoangSon on Flickr.

All our training dates for 2013 are now available on the Library web site.

Our courses are free to access for NHS staff and attached students and can be booked directly via any of our library sites.

Our courses are aimed at both clinicians and managers who want to be able to use the best possible evidence to support their decision making.

They are run at a variety of locations, including the Berrywood and Northampton General Hospitals and Bevan House in Kettering.

Our Evidence for Health course is a great introduction to finding healthcare related information on the Internet. This course is totally hands on and uses sites like NHS Evidence and TRIP, and even includes the advance searching option in Google.

If you need to find journal articles we have a literature searching course. You'll learn how to effectively search healthcare databases like Medline, the British Nursing Index or HMIC (Health Management) to find the information you need and access full text electronic journal articles.

Of course, once you've found the information, you'll need to know how to assess it, and our Critical Appraisal Skills programme can help. Our Introduction to Critical Appraisal will give you a basic understanding of the terminology and process, whilst our highly interactive Critical Appraisal in Action session gives you the opportunity to appraise a piece of research in a group facilitated by a librarian.

We can also create a tailored session for your department and can also do one to one sessions if you can't make any of our dates, and we can even come to you.

Vacancy: temporary Library Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a temporary (6 month) part time (3 days) Library Assistant based at the Richmond Library, Northampton General Hospital.

The Richmond Library

Ideally, we are looking for someone with library experience, but strong IT skills and good customer service are just as important as you will often be the first point of contact with our users. Library Assistants have a varied role including dealing with enquiries, locating documents, processing new stock, and supporting users with finding information.

The deadline for applications is Friday the 9th of November. However, the vacancy will close earlier if enough applications are received, so we recommend applying as soon as possible if you are interested in the post.

Interviews will be held at the Richmond Library on Wednesday the 28th of November.

For more information, including a job description and person specification, please see our advert on the NHS jobs web site.

You can find out more about our services on the Library web site. If you have any questions about the post please contact Gary Meades, Library Services Manager, or Jane Proctor, Librarian, on 01604 545929.