FAQ

Medical Library

Phone:425-688-5137
Fax:425-688-5638

Frequently Asked Questions

Databases Journals Books
Other Resources
Contact us
Request Forms

Databases

1. How to I know what database to use?

You can choose a popular database which covers most topics, or from the Subject Guide choose your key topic and then click on the column labeled Databases.

2. How do I use a database to find articles from my favorite journal?

Most databases allow you to limit your search to particular journal titles. Ask the librarian if you need assistance.

3. How can I re-run a database search to keep up to date on a particular topic?

Please refer to Database search Updating service

4. What is the difference between PubMed and OVID Medline?

Please refer to the Comparison of PubMed and OVID MEDLINE

5. How can I access a database at home or from my office?

See Access instructions

Journals

1. I found a journal article from the Internet. It costs $56 to obtain this article! I thought everything on the Internet was free. Do I really need to pay this much for this article?

The good news is that the library can obtain most of your requested items on interlibrary loan free of charge to you because we have established reciprocal agreements with other libraries. There sometimes is a small fee for borrowing but the library absorbs the cost. Email the library your request and we will arrange to get the item for you.

2. Can I borrow a journal issue?

see Journal Loan Policies

3. How can I tell what issues the library holds for a specific journal title?

Use the catalog and type in the name of your journal. You should see links besides resources that include this title. Beside each will be date ranges of issues they hold.

4. A hyperlink in the catalog does not work.

Ask the librarian for assistance. For HEAL-WA resources you need to be running Internet Explorer 7 to open documents.

5. How can I access a journal found within a database from my home or from my office?

See Access instructions

6. Can the library send a request article as a PDF?

We have access to many journals online and if we have it as a pdf, we can send it to you as a pdf. However, we cannot send all articles as pdfs and some are not published that way. Adding electronic access to some print subscriptions is not cost effective and license restrictions frequently prevent us from scanning it into electronic format.

Books

1. How long can I borrow a book?

see Loan Policies

2. What if I can't find the book I want in the library catalog?

The library may be able to borrow the book for you from another library through our interlibrary loan service, or to find out if it is available locally from the King County Library System. Simply email your book request to the library. There is no charge for this service.

Other Resources

1. Can I borrow a DVD or media from another library through the Interlibrary loan program?

Most libraries do not lend computer software or audiovisual materials via interlibrary loan.