Collections

Book Collection The Library contains over 7000 books on biomedicine and related fields. The reference collection includes major texts in each medical specialty, and standard reference tools such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and medical directories. All books are listed in the online card catalog by author, title and subject according to the National Library of Medicine's classification scheme.

Reference books are labeled with yellow tape on their spines and must be used in the Library. The "Ready Reference" section behind the front desk contains information sources such as dictionaries and directories. Consumer health section books have green tape on their lower spines.

"Recent Additions to Parrot Health Science Library" is a monthly list of new acquisitions that is posted on a bulletin board in the Library. Some of the new books are displayed on the new books area at the front of the Library.

Journal Collection The Library currently subscribes to over 225 journals. The journal collection spans a wide range of topics in the field of health care. Journals do not circulate so that they are always available for patient care requirements. Indexes and annuals are shelved near the journals. The library maintains a list of electronic journals that may be accessed by visiting the library.

A photocopier is located in the Library for the convenience of EMMC staff. Others may use the public coin-operated copier located in the lobby. Some journals are housed in microfiche format and there is a reader/printer for reading and photocopying from them.

Consumer Health Information We have a consumer health book section and also provide online access to MedlinePlus, Gale Virtual Reference Library(an online collection of fulltext consumer health encyclopedias), and Infotrac Health & Wellness Resource Center (an easy-to- search database which includes information from periodicals, pamphlets, newsletters, and reference books.)  Patrons may print out the full text of many publications included in the databases. For Your Health, a brochure listing websites with reliable health information, is produced by library staff and is available to library patrons.

Online Information Resources
The Library has computer workstations available for use by EMMC/EMH staff, patients, students, and the general public. Priority is given to EMMC staff for patient care needs. Workstation users can access PubMed, CINAHL, Infotrac Health and Wellness Resource Center, MARVEL, Stat!Ref, UpToDate and other online databases. Library staff are available for brief assistance. An appointment with a librarian may be scheduled for more in-depth instruction if desired.

Online Literature Search Services
The Library offers online literature search services, performed by our reference librarians. To request a literature search, patrons may fill out a "Request for Information" form. The Library also offers automatic monthly updates of the literature, called SDIs, to EMMC staff.

Circulation and Privileges EMMC staff and affiliated users may check out books for 2 weeks at a time. The general public may borrow books from the consumer health section. Books may be renewed for a second period if no one else has requested the book. The library staff reserves the right to limit the number of books that may be checked out at one time. Reference books and periodicals do not circulate.

Audiovisual Alcove The Library maintains a VCR and a monitor to allow for unscheduled viewing of videotapes on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interlibrary Loan EMMC belongs to various library lending networks that lend journal articles and books based on copyright guidelines and library policies. EMMC staff have interlibrary loan privileges for work-related articles or books not owned by the Library. A statewide delivery system guarantees rapid delivery of books from instate libraries.

Photocopy Services EMMC staff may make photocopies using the library copier. A second, coin-operated photocopier, located in the lobby outside of the library, is available for use by the public.