McMaster University

Reserve and Short-Term Loan Material
in the Health Sciences Library

Due to the problem-based, self-directed learning or inquiry based learning methods used in the educational programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), there are very few required textbooks.  However, students are often directed to standard medical, nursing or other health care books which would be part of the collection of any health sciences library.  In addition, students in health sciences programs often refer to introductory science or psychology textbooks to build or supplement their basic knowledge.  Again, these textbooks are included as part of the base collection of the Health Sciences Library.

The Health Sciences Library will continue to build its collection based on material identified as important for the educational and research needs of its primary users.  It cannot monitor material required for non-FHS courses. 

Reading lists for all FHS courses are needed to build the collection and are required if material is to be put on reserve. Please provide a copy of your course reading lists to your Library Liaison.

 

Reserve Material:

  • Will only be for specific FHS courses.
  • No books will be put on reserve.

  • Only supplementary readings will be put on reserve, as long as they constitute less than 25% of the Required readings for the course:

    • book chapters as long as they are less than 10% by total number of pages of the entire book
    • journal articles not available online (i.e. from our print collection)
    • limited to one paper copy for each 30 students in a course of instruction up to a maximum of three
  • Written acknowledgement in paper or electronic form from the faculty member is required, confirming that the copies are for an optional or supplementary source of information and that copies constitute less than 25% of the Required readings for the course.
  • All material will be taken off reserve at the end of the course.

Short Term Loan:

  • Will be high demand books as determined by usage.
  • Short Term Loan books will not be attached to a course or a program.
  • They will be monitored for use and loan periods adjusted as needed.
  • The default loan period will be 7 days; this will be adjusted to 3 days or 1 day if demand warrants (with the exception of Exam Reviews, which will be loaned for 3 days).
  • Fines will be $2.00 per day.
  • Very high demand books will be designated as non-circulating, i.e. use in the Reading Room only.  This will be considered only if the Library holds multiple copies, i.e. it will never be the only copy of the book.

For more information about the Health Sciences Library collection required to support your courses, contact your Library Liaison.

Our reserve and short-term loan policy is governed by the Copyright Act. Read more about copyright at HSL.