Library FAQs for Keele Students

 You might be really familiar with using a library service, particularly if you have already spent some time on campus. However, here are a few questions we get asked which may be slightly different from what you are used to:

Is there 24hr access to the Health Library?

The Health Library at the CEC is available during staffed hours. You can find the opening hours on our website. Please take note that opening hours may be reduced during holiday periods.

Do I need to use my Keele card to enter the library?

Yes, you will need to swipe your card at the access point to enter the Health Library. We are currently operating under covid-secure conditions. This means that there is one point of entry – the side door by the entrance opposite the footbridge.

Side-door to the Library, in the porch opposite the footbridge

If you have forgotten your card use the intercom to contact a member of staff. You will be required to sign the visitor sheet.

What can I use my Keele card for?

Your Keele card is also your library card. You can use it with the self-issue machine to borrow library items. You’ll also need it if you want us to check anything on your library account. As at Campus, you can add money onto your card and then use it with the multi-function device to print or photocopy. You can add funds to your Keele card at the library counter.

How do I print?

You can send your documents to the printer in the library. You’ll then need to activate the printer with your Keele card and select the items you want to print. You need to have sufficient funds on your card to cover the cost of the printing.

Can I return items before I start study / work for the day?

You can return items to the library quickly by placing them in the book-bin, in the porch at the entrance opposite the footbridge. Items are collected from the bin by staff during the day. The porch is open when the CEC building opens, before the library is open.

Can I reserve items?

You can reserve items via Library Search, whether they are on the shelf or checked out by another person. The reservations request list is processed by staff once a day. You will be sent an email when your item is ready to be picked up. Please be aware that there may be a queue for popular items.

Can I pick reserved items up at Campus Library?

When you request an item to be reserved for you, you need to select which library you want to pick the item up from. This can be the Health Library at the CEC, Campus Library or the Health Library at County (for some items). Please be aware that there might be a slight delay in availability of items which need to travel between sites.

When can I pick up my requested items?

You will be notified by email when your requested item is available to be picked up. There may be a delay depending on when the request list is processed, whether an item is on loan or whether an item needs to come from another site.

Can I get an NHS OpenAthens username?

Keele healthcare students are usually set up with an HE/NHS based OpenAthens username during the first couple of years of their course. This allows you to access key NHS-based resources, including the eLearning for Health Hub. This account is maintained by staff at the Campus Library.

Where can I use a computer?

Computers on the Keele network are available on an adhoc basis via the training room within the Health Library. You may be asked to vacate this room if it is being used for teaching purposes.

Computers on the NHS network are available within the rotunda and in the small IT room opposite the library counter.

Where can I get refreshments?

Drinking water is available within the Health Library. Please check with CEC reception as to further refreshment availability in the Clinical Education Centre. Note that the CEC building is not available in the evenings or at weekends – you are advised to bring your own refreshments if visiting the library at these times. Please be considerate of other users if eating/drinking in the library.

For more information regarding facilities, services and resources at the Health Library, please:

• Check the Health Library website
• Complete our tutorial Using the Health Library
• Complete our online induction for Y3 medical students
• Ask us!