Covid19 Restrictions: Library Services and Access
Library Access
As COVID-19 restrictions ease our local library sites are opening up, though some continue to operate limited hours.
We have increased our online services and made some changes to the way we operate.
HSE System Cyber Attack – Library Resource Access and Contact
Library Resource Access
HSE Library online resources are all available using personal devices. Login using your Athens account. If you do not have an Athens account, you can register for an account HERE.
If you are not able to access your HSE email use a personal email address and an activation code will be sent.
Contacting the Library
See our list of national and local HSE librarians.
If you need to contact library services please see the Help Desk.
Virtual Library Services
Library users are encouraged to use virtual services where possible and make in-person library visits only when necessary.
LAMA, the chatbot virtual assistant: Is active on all pages of the HSE Library website providing 24/7 response. LAMA provides quick answers to standard questions and directs to resources.
Use the chat button on the bottom of the page to open LAMA.
Virtual Desk – Live sessions: The live Virtual Desk is open for assigned hours Monday – Friday and staffed by HSE Librarystaff. Live enquiry and chat sessions with library staff are facilitated. Virtual Desk staff respond or resolve queries in realtime or refer the query on to another member of the NHLKS team via a ticketing function.
VISIT THE VIRTUAL DESK (or use the tab on the side of the page).
FAQ Answers / Submit a query: When the Virtual Desk is not available, a detailed FAQ knowledge base is available or questions can be submitted online which will be added as tickets and assigned to a member of library staff to resolve.
Contact/Click and collect Service
Book Borrowing is available through 'Contact/Click & collect'.
Library users will be expected to place a hold on items they want to borrow using the library catalogue and will be notified by email.
It is only possible to place hold requests on items in your home library (the library your account is based at) and only where the site is listed as offering contact/click & collect service.
Books should be returned in book return boxes only and items will be quarantined on return. HOW TO ORDER AN ITEM FOR CONTACT/CLICK & COLLECT
Book Study Space
In response to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, HSE Library sites are operating at reduced capacity.
No walk-ins permitted.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY TO BOOK A STUDY SPACE
Resources you can access online
Access to our eLibrary of resources is available automatically onsite at all HSE sites.
Off-site, such as when working at home, access is available through your HSE Open Athens account.
You can register online for a HSE Athens account. You will need
- a valid email address, and
- a HSE employee number (on your payslip).
See the Library Resources guide for more information.
Training Support
If you need help or support to access our resources, our Information Skills team run regular online training sessions.
VIEW UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS
Research Requests
Our dedicated evidence team are providing urgent evidence support requests related to COVID-19 see COVID-19 resources.
If you have a research request not related to COVID-19, please continue to submit via the Research Request Service.
Note that priority is given to COVID-19 related requests.
Request full text articles through links in our elibrary or by contacting your local HSE Library.
Check for full text online Journals with the Journal Finder.
If you have any questions contact the Virtual Desk
