Covid19 Restrictions: Library Services and Access
In response to Level 5 restrictions under Ireland’s plan for Living with Covid access to our libraries is currently restricted.
We have increased our online services and made some changes to the way we operate.
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 HERE (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 in the LibAnswers system and assigned to a member of library staff to resolve. FAQs available HERE
Contact/Click and collect Service
Book Borrowing is available through 'Contact/Click & collect' service only. Items ordered via contact and collect will be available to collect on 1 day per week. Details of the designated collection days are listed by site below.
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. Items should be collected on the designated pick up day listed for your site.
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.
| Library | Contact & Collect Available - Designated pick up day |
| Midland Regional Hospital - Tullamore | Yes |
| Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar | Yes |
| Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise | Yes |
| Naas General Hospital | Yes - Pick up day: Friday |
| Cavan General Hospital | Yes - Pick up day: Tuesday |
| Galway University Hospitals (UHG & Merlin Park) | Yes - Pick up day: Wednesday UHG AM Merlin PM |
| Mayo University Hospital | Yes - Pick up day: Wednesday |
| Roscommon University Hospital | Yes - Pick up day: Monday |
| Portinucula University Hospital | Yes - Pick up day : Wednesday |
| University Hospital Limerick | No |
| Sligo General Hospital | Yes |
| Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Library, Drogheda | Yes - Pick up day : Wednesday |
| St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown | Yes |
| St Conals Hospital Library Letterkenny | Yes |
| St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON) Dublin | Yes - Pick up day: Wednesday |
| University Hospital Kerry, Tralee | Yes |
| St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny | Yes |
| Dr. Steevens' Library | Yes - Pick up day: Wednesday |
| Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown | Yes - Pick up day: Wednesday |
| South Tipperary General Hospital Library | Yes |
HOW TO ORDER AN ITEM FOR CONTACT/CLICK & COLLECT
Book Study Space
Following Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions HSE Library sites will be closed from Oct 22nd for six weeks with some exceptions.
There are no walk-ins permitted.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR MORE DETAILS
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 Accessing Library Resources guide for more information.
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.
Note: Our article supply service may be affected by staff re-deployment.
If you have any questions contact the Virtual Desk, or by email hselibrary@hse.ie