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 Library Services
Information ServicesExpert Literature Searches A Health Information Specialist will discuss with each client the information which is required, evaluate and select the database(s) most likely to provide pertinent, authoritative information and design and run queries against all appropriate databases. Results will be available within whatever time frame meets client needs. Average response time to a literature search request from Allegheny staff is 24 hours. The library also provides onsite collections and document delivery services to provide access to information identified by literature searches. Expert literature search services are available only to authorized library clients. Request a search. Information ConsultingHealth Information Specialists maintain extensive knowledge of internal and external information resources relevant to our clients, including those not obtainable through readily available literature, ensure the reliability of information resources and work with clients to apply knowledge to client needs. Consults range from finding short, factual answers to questions to identifying, evaluating and selecting multiple information resources in response to a question too complex to be answered by a literature search. Library staff use print resources, proprietary databases, and web-based information as well as organizations and experts to provide a precise piece of information or a broad body of information. Specific types of consultation include working with hospital teams to identify information pertinent to their project, identifing patient education materials, and working with researchers to develop detailed justifications for the use of animals in proposed research. Audiovisual consultation services provide assistance in identifying and locating videotapes, CDs or slides required for educational programs. Consulting to identify information resources in any format (print, audiovisual and digital) for curriculum enhancement is also available. Information consulting services are available only to authorized library clients. Request a consult. Current Awareness ServicesFor a specific area of professional interest an SDI (Selective Distribution of Information) can be established which provides for a literature search defining a particular topic which will be routinely run against current database updates; generally monthly or quarterly. A Health Information Specialist will consult with you to define the area(s) of interest and will arrange for a search of the most current literature to be routinely forwarded to you. You will automatically be alerted to emerging trends, research advances or changes in standards of practice. Current Awareness services are available only to authorized library clients. Request service. Library Information SystemsThe Health Sciences Library provides access to various computer-based information resources for use by authorized library clients. Literature searching Directories, textbooks and journals Examples of resources include:
This database holds records for all items in the library's collection including books, journals, audiovisual aids and consumer health/patient education materials. Document Delivery ServicesInternal CollectionsAuthorized library clients may borrow materials from the library's collection. Books, audiovisual aids and bound journals circulate for one week. Reserve and Reference materials do not circulate, but may used freely in the library. Self-service photocopiers are available in the library for making single copies of library materials only. Authorized library clients can also access the library's collection of fulltext journals. Library staff will photocopy information from the library's collection for authorized library clients within the limits of copyright law and the WPAHS Copyright Integrity Policy. Turnaround time for requests from our onsite collection is 24 hours. Students are responsible for their own photocopying. External Libraries and Other VendorsHealth Sciences Library staff maintain active interlibrary lending relationships with more than 300 regional and national libraries, as well as working with commercial information distributors. If information requested is not available from Health Sciences Library collections it will be located and retrieved from other sources. Books as well as journal articles may be obtained through interlibrary loan. Document delivery services are available only to authorized library clients. Request service. <Back to Top
Education ServicesClassesClasses in the effective use of knowledge-based resources are 45 minutes long and are held in the Learning Resources Center in the Health Sciences Library. Pre-registration is required. Please call the library at 412-359-3040 to register or register online Searching the Clinical Literature Using Electronic Clinical Resources Health Information on the Web Library Health Information Specialists are also available Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5:30PM to answer your questions on the above or any other computer-based resources accessible in the Library, including various office software packages, such as word processing, spreadsheets, statistics and presentation software. Professional EducationA variety of self-instructional materials are available from the Health Sciences Library. Videotapes and audiotapes, many of which provide continuing education credits, cover a wide range of clinical topics. Materials are appropriate for various types of health professionals including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and students. The library also has professional development and self development materials on non- clinical topics including client service skills, introductory management skills, public speaking and continuous quality improvement. Patient EducationLibrary staff participate in patient education activities in several ways. Health Information Specialists assist clinical staff who are designing patient education programs or materials by providing information consulting services including literature searching. Library staff also assist in locating, evaluating and assessing the availability of pamphlets, audiovisual aids and books specifically for Allegheny's patient populations. A carefully selected collection of health information resources appropriate for lay readers is maintained in the library. This collection consists of pamphlets, books, journals, audiovisual aids and web-based information resources. Materials from the library's collection may be borrowed by authorized library clients and may be used by others in the library. <Back to Top |