Library access:
Q: Where is the Discovery Library?
Q: What are the Discovery Library opening hours?
Q: Can I get access to the Discovery Library outside of staffed hours?

Borrowing:
Q: Can I borrow books out of staffed hours?
Q: Can I take journals out of the library to read/photocopy?
Q: Do I have to come in to the library to renew books I have on loan?
Q: Are overdue fines charged by the Discovery Library?

Athens access:
Q: How do I check whether I am eligible for an Athens account?
Q: How do I get an Athens account?
Q: I’ve forgotten my Athens username/password. What do I do?
Q: I’ve moved to a new organisation. How do I update my Athens details (incl. email)?

Printing/photocopying details:
Q: Can I print documents in Discovery Library?
Q: Can I photocopy or scan documents in Discovery Library?

Q: Where is the Discovery Library?

A: The Discovery Library is on Level 5 of the Terence Lewis Building in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
For a map of level 5 please see here
For a guide to finding your way around the hospital please see here

Q: What are the Discovery Library opening hours?

The Discovery Library is open to compatible ID swipe card access, however, we cannot currently guarantee usual staffed hours due to COVID-19.
If you have a query please email library.mailbox@nhs.net and include a contact telephone number and we will respond Mon-Fri 0830-1730
If your query is urgent please mark it URGENT in subject line.

A: The library is ordinarily staffed from Monday – Friday 0830-1730 for counter services and enquiries, and is accessible 24 hours a day to members using compatible I.D. badge as a swipe card.

Q: Can I get access to the Discovery Library outside of staffed hours?

A: Some members can get 24 hour access to the Discovery Library and facilities using their University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust issued staff or student ID badge (different from your library card) as swipe cards. If your card is not working please contact the library.
Members from other organisations requiring 24 hour access should contact the library to arrange to obtain a temporary swipe card.

Q: Can I borrow books out of staffed hours?

A: Yes – as a registered user you can use your library card or barcode number to use the self-issue kiosk. (click here for registration forms)  You will also need access to the library outside of staffed hours.

Q: Can I take journals out of the library to read/photocopy?

A: Journals are available for reference use in the library only and not to be taken out. Photocopying facilities are provided in the library if needed.

Q: Do I have to come in to the library to renew books I have on loan?

A: No – you are able to renew books from the Discovery Library online at http://www.swims.nhs.uk/ you can log in and renew your books here (if you have not already made a pin number for your library account follow the instructions on screen). If online renewal is not possible please contact the library with your membership card barcode and the book details and we will check the book status and get back to you.
Please note:
Different loan periods allow different numbers of renewals and renewal will not be approved if the book has been reserved by another library member.

Q: Q: Are overdue fines charged by the Discovery Library?

A: Yes – we serve a large number of library members and need to offer a fair service to all of them, so use fines to try to ensure our stock is safe and being used. For overdue loans the charges are –

We have suspended fines during the current COVID 19 lockdown as we appreciate people may have difficulty accessing the library at this time. If you do experience any problems renewing or returning books please contact us at library.mailbox@nhs.net

We send reminder emails when our loans are approaching their return date or overdue. Please arrange for them to be returned or renewed if possible to avoid these charges, and contact the library if there are any problems.

Q: How do I check whether I am eligible for an Athens account?

A: Please here to check your eligibility based on the national inclusion criteria.

Q: How do I get an Athens account?

A: Go to https://openathens.nice.org.uk/. Fill in and submit your details and you will receive an email containing an activation link. (Authentication is a quick process if logged on an NHS PC or registering an NHSmail account in the form).

Q: I’ve forgotten my Athens username/password. What do I do?

A: To reset your password click here and enter your username and email address. Usernames are in the format nhs(first initial)(surname)(3 digits), for example nhsjbloggs001. If you can’t remember your username or have any problems accessing your account you can contact the library or email the regional administrator at athens.sdhct@nhs.net.

Q: I’ve moved to a new organisation. How do I update my Athens details?

A: If you have a new NHS email address login here with your existing account and then click to “Change your email address”. Once entered, an email will be sent to your new address with a link and an activation code which you will need to click on within two days.
To change your organisation and other details login here  with your existing account. Click to “Change your organisation” and fill in the online form. Once submitted, an email will be sent to your registered address with a link and an activation code which you will need to click on within two days.

Q: Can I print documents in Discovery Library?

A:  Plymouth ICT registered users can print using the multifunction device in the library. Go to IT help icon on your desktop for more information about printing in the Trust.

Q: Can I photocopy or scan documents in Discovery Library?

A: Plymouth ICT registered users can photocopy or scan using the multifunction device in the library. Go to IT help icon on your desktop for more information about photocopying or scanning in the Trust. Reproduction must be undertaken within current NHS Copyright licence limitations.