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

   Our individual study space bookings have been suspended through the month of January while the Hamilton area remains in lockdown. Continue to check our website for updates. Please note, research and reference help continue online. Contact hslib@mcmaster.ca for information.

2. How do I get the books and articles I need for my research and studies when access to the print collections are closed?

   The Health Sciences Library 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 still have questions email hslib@mcmaster.ca.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

   Yes, you can still request articles and e-chapters through Interlibrary Loans (RACER). If the item is only available in print format, the request will likely be cancelled. Many of our partner libraries have closed, making their print resources inaccessible. For this same reason, print book requests cannot be filled at this time.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 need to wait until we are able to access our full holdings. Please contact our Archivist, Melissa Caza if you require assistance.

12. Can I visit the archives?

    Until further notice, our physical archives are closed. Please contact our Archivist, Melissa Caza to discuss your research needs.

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

    Regular updates about services in Mills, Innis, and Thode Libraries are posted at the COVID-19 response page .

14. Where can I learn more about McMaster’s response to COVID-19?

    Visit https://covid19.mcmaster.ca/ 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.