1. Can I visit the Health Sciences Library in person?

   The Health Sciences Library plans to re-open after the holiday break on January 31, 2022, but will continue to respond to the latest public health guidelines regarding opening and closing of our physical space. Continue to check our website hours page for detailed hours. Please note, research and reference help continue online. Contact hslib@mcmaster.ca for information.

2. Can I book a study room in the Health Sciences Library?

   The Health Sciences Library Study rooms are currently unavailable. Check our website regularly for updates. Once the rooms reopen, booking information will be posted on the library website.

3. How do I get the books and articles I need for my research and studies? What about equipment like laptops and calculators?

   The Health Sciences Library is open for browsing. The HSL also has a vast collection of online books, journals, databases, and research tools. We continue to add new items every day. Please review the ebooks, online journals, and databases on our library website, or visit our guides. If you have questions email hslib@mcmaster.ca. The lending of equipment (laptops, adapters, calculators) has been suspended for the time being. We will update when we return to lending those things.

4. I need help using the library. Can someone help me?

   Our in-person information desk is closed, but our virtual desk is open and monitored 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Please email hslib@mcmaster.ca to get started. Alternatively, you can drop by our Live Virtual Help Desk, Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Individuals without access to email can call 905.525.9140 x22327.

5. I would like to book a consultation. Is this possible?

   Yes, it is still possible to book a consultation. Consultation support will occur online using Zoom from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Learn more about Health Sciences Library research consultations.

6. I have checked-out library books, what should I do?

   Until further notice, the Health Sciences Library will not levy any fines for late book returns. If you have outstanding library books that are now due, you can return them to the exterior book drops in Mills, Thode or Health Sciences Libraries.

7. I have an e-resource problem. The URL won’t work. Who can help me?

   If you cannot access journal articles, ebooks, or databases, report this via email to hsltser@mcmaster.ca. This email will be monitored Monday - Friday 9 a.m. -  noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. We will respond to your email within 2 hours during these times.

8.  I would like to request an item from another library (Interlibrary Loans). Is this still possible?

   Yes, articles, e-chapters, and print items held at another library can be requested through Interlibrary Loans (RACER). If the item is only available in print format, you must be able to pick it up at the library. Undergraduate Medical students based in Kitchener and Niagara should contact hslib@mcmaster.ca if they have questions about physical item pickup.

9. I would like to book a library training session. Are there online options?

   Yes, we will be offering online options for library training sessions. Please email hsled@mcmaster.ca for more information. We also have several online guides and tutorials to get you started.

10. I work for HHS. How do I get help from the library?

    MUMC based HHS employees can receive help from the library by sending an email to librarymumc@hhsc.ca. Library services include article retrieval, table of contents alerts, PubMed alerts, virtual research consultations, and literature searches.

11. I have something to donate to the archives. How do I do this?

    Please contact our Archivist, Melissa Caza with a description of what you would like to donate. If suitable for our collection, we will make all necessary arrangements to accept your donation when we resume normal operations.

12. I need information on a specific topic from the archives. Can someone help me?

    We may be able to provide some remote research assistance; however, some requests may require you to make an appointment to come on-site and work with the physical collection. All library visitors will be required to adhere to the McMaster Vaccination policy.

    Please contact our Archivist, Melissa Caza to discuss your research needs and schedule an appointment.

13. Can I visit the archives?

    Researchers can schedule appointments to conduct on-site research with the physical collection. Appointment times are limited and we recommend booking well in advance. Appointments can be made for Fridays between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm. All library visitors will be required to adhere to the McMaster Vaccination policy.

    Please contact our Archivist, Melissa Caza to discuss your research needs and schedule an appointment.

14. What’s happening in the other McMaster libraries?

    Regular updates about services in Mills, Innis, and Thode Libraries are posted at the McMaster Libraries reopening page.

15. Where can I learn more about McMaster’s most up-to-date COVID-19 measures?

    Visit Back to Mac for more information.

The services listed above are not restricted to the Faculty of Health Sciences community. Any McMaster faculty, staff, or student using health information in their course of study or research is welcome to reach out. We’re happy to help.