Many thanks to all of our users who responded to the 2017 Satisfaction Survey. We value your feedback and comments. It is refreshing to hear what we are getting right and important to hear what we are not doing so well. As with previous surveys, comments, as detailed below, about the service are overwhelming positive, with some staff members named as being particularly helpful and friendly.
- As a new user, I was very impressed by standard of library services, and the staff were extremely helpful with any queries.
- The library service at Queen’s is fantastic, I have also used the facilities at Jordanstown and those at Queens are far superior with a greater range of items, more professional learning environment and more knowledgeable staff with regards to queries and alternative options when items are not available.
- Frequent user at Fern House library at Antrim hospital site and very pleased with all aspects of the service provided.
- I’ve always found the Library staff extremely helpful and find it a pleasure to visit the library.
- I have had nothing but a positive experience in the QUB library, in particular the medical library staff. Really helpful and willing to give their time. Great service.
- A fantastic service that is making my studies and research that little bit easier. Thank you
We would also like to take the opportunity to respond to the less positive comments, which can be grouped into the following themes:
Location and access to the Medical and HSC Library, including car parking
The Medical and HSC Library is located in the Mulhouse Building on the Royal Victoria Hospital site. It is accessible on foot, by car or by using the free shuttle bus running between the Belfast City Hospital site and the Royal Victoria Hospital site. Use of the car parks and the cost of car parking is controlled by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and is outside of the Library’s control.
Study Environment, Medical and HSC Library
Significant investment has been made in order to improve the study environment in the Medical and HSC Library. Additional plug points were installed in the Fry Room last summer, and we are currently looking at installing further plug points across the Medical Library.
Unfortunately, there are no soundproof cubicles in the Library; although group study rooms can be booked for skype calls if required. It should be noted that these rooms are not completely soundproof either.
Study Environment, HSC Library Craigavon
The staff in HSC Library Craigavon have reported the broken window catch in the additional study room but unfortunately, this cannot be repaired at present.
The blankets have been removed from the additional study room as sleeping is not permitted in the library rooms. However, it is difficult to monitor this out of library opening hours.
Print Resources, Medical and HSC Library
The Library endeavours to have required reading material in the most appropriate library. Material in the areas of medicine, dentistry and nursing should be available in the Medical Library however, we do depend on the course tutors letting us know what the required texts are. If material is not available, please contact your subject librarian with the details of the books you require.
Online Resources and Search Facility, Medical and HSC Library
The Library is currently reviewing the search facility. A new website and search facility is planned as part of our exciting rebrand, and both will be available soon.
There are a range of databases available on the HSC Library website, which enable you to search effectively for scientific papers. These databases link directly to the full text of the articles if available through the HSC Library.
Journals available on the QUB library website are a result of paid subscriptions with publishers, which state that online access to the journals is only for authorized users and these authorized users are only QUB staff and students. In other words, only these users can access the online journals available through the QUB Library website. It is not possible under the legal obligations of these licences to enable other groups to directly access these online resources. The resources and journals through the HSC Library website are negotiated and paid for separately from QUB.
Online tutorials are available on key aspects of using the HSC Library website. These are available via the profession specific links on the Library homepage eg http://libguides.qub.ac.uk/c.php?g=485942&p=3877029 . Training sessions are also provided.
For further advice on the best search tools for you, how to use these search tools or information about the online resources, please contact your subject librarian who will be happy to help.
Opening Hours, Medical and HSC Library
The Medical and HSC Library carried out a survey in April 2017 asking for feedback from users about the opening hours. Changes were made to the hours because of feedback and comments received.
Opening hours in the HSC Libraries, e.g. HSC Library Antrim are subject to change due to daily circumstances and holiday periods. The HSC Library website recommends that users contact the HSC Library branch before visiting.
While the Medical and HSC Library cannot comment on the opening hours of other QUB Library branches, we are keen to receive feedback or comments, and will endeavour to pass these on to other relevant parties.
