Use the Library

Why use the library?

• Find evidence-based information to help you with your work and study.
• Access books, eBooks, journals, medical databases, reminiscence packs, and wellbeing resources.  Visit the online catalogue to view the collection.
• Receive training in literature searching, critical appraisal, study skills and more.
• Keep up to date with the latest news and evidence in your field.
• Access quiet study spaces, staff PCs and print/scan/copy facilities.

• You do not need to register to access online resources or to request articles and searches if you work for MPFT, or are on placement in MPFT. 
• You can register to borrow books if you work for MPFT, are on placement in MPFT, or if you work for University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.
• You do not need a library card: Library staff can issue, return and renew items on your behalf with your Trust ID.  You can also register your smartcard to use our self-service facilities – you can call in to one of the libraries to do this.
• Service users and carers can use the library for reference to, for example, read books, read articles, spend time in a relaxing space, use computers, use Wi-Fi, or use photocopying and printing services. 

The library spaces have:

• Self-service kiosks to borrow, renew, or return books and resources.
• Self-service lockers to collect books and resources out of hours (Stafford Library).
• Study carrels in a quiet environment.
• Computers & docking stations for staff use.
• Computers for service users.
• SPSS data analysis software on computers in both libraries.

View our collections via the online catalogue.

Our collections include:

• Professional literature (textbooks, handbooks and others) to support best practice and academic study.
• Fiction, biographies, and self-help books.
• A range of wellbeing titles.
• Books for service users.
• Games.
• Reminiscence packs.

• You can browse, reserve, and renew books via the online catalogue.
• Borrow up to 10 books for 8 weeks at a time.
• Reserve, renew and review books with your online library account.
• Ask for books that the library doesn't stock and we can request them from another library for you.
• If you want the library to buy a book, you can make an online book request.
• You can have books sent out to your workplace or home.
• You can read eBooks online in your web browser. When you search for an eBook online the results will show availability.

We can carry out a search for key literature on a topic for you, or find evidence to answer a research question.

If you plan to use the search results for academic study, we offer guided literature search sessions using your chosen topic instead.

• You can search for articles using the suggestions on the library website.  These include: Online Resources A-Z for a list of online journals / databases and other resources you may find useful, Journals A-Z to search journal subscriptions by journal title, or Find Evidence by Subject for information about the resources which may be most helpful to your needs.
• If you have searched for an article and it is unavailable you can request it via the online article request form.
• If you have a list of articles, you can email it to library@mpft.nhs.uk. We will only ask you to complete a copyright declaration form where necessary.

Training is available by request 8am-8pm Monday-Friday.  You can view the different training sessions the library offers via the Training & Funding webpage.

To access the library space out of hours:

• At Redwoods Library you can ask for an out of hours sticker to be added to your ID card so that you can request to borrow a fob at the main desk.
• At Stafford Library you can request a fob for out of hours access.