New Library User FAQs
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- Where is the Galter Health Sciences Library?
- How do I contact the library?
- What do I need to check out books or other materials?
- How long can I borrow books and journals?
- Do I need to come to the library to renew my book?
- How do I determine whether Galter Library owns a book or journal?
- Is the full-text of this journal article available online?
- Can I access electronic resources from off-campus?
- How can I learn to use electronic databases and other library resources?
- How do I order an article or book that the library does not have?
- May I suggest that the library purchase a book or journal subscription?
- Can I connect to the wireless network in the Library?
- Can I use PowerPoint or Microsoft Word in the Library?
- How do I submit an article or book to be placed on course reserve?
- How do I reserve a conference room?
- Do you still have questions?
Where is the Galter Health Sciences Library?
Galter Health Sciences Library is located at 303 E. Chicago Avenue (1st floor of the Montgomery Ward Building).
How do I contact the library?
You can contact the library at 312-503-8126. For the reference desk call 312-503-8109.
What do I need to check out books or other materials?
You will need to present your Northwestern University WildCARD or library barcode to borrow materials from the library. If you are employed at an affiliated hospital, you can obtain a library barcode from the circulation desk at Galter Library or the library at your institution.
How long can I borrow books and journals?
The lending period for books is 12 weeks. You can check out journals for two hours.
Do I need to come to the library to renew my book?
No. Use the library catalog to renew items. Choose the option titled "Your NUcat Info. Renew Items" and follow the directions to renew your materials online.
How do I determine whether Galter Library owns a book or journal?
Use the library catalog to find out whether we own a book, journal, or multimedia resource. The library catalog searches all of the Northwestern University libraries including affiliated hospital libraries.
Is the full-text of this journal article available online?
The quickest way to answer this is to go to Find Resources in the main website navigation. You can search by title or keyword or browse by letter or subject. If a journal starts with "Journal of...", search the J section. Each e-journal title has a More Info link which shows years of coverage, publisher information, locations from where the journal is accessible, and any restrictions or special notes pertinent to the title.
Links to e-journals can also be found in NUcat, the online catalog of Northwestern University. Links are available for e-journals that the library also has in print or for electronic subscriptions for which the library has a stable, lasting, and comprehensive access. For the fullest listing of e-journals, use the Find Resources section on the library home page.
For more information see our E-Journal FAQs.
Can I access electronic resources from off-campus?
To access electronic journals and books when off-campus, you must be signed in to the library website. This easy procedure authenticates you as a Galter Library affiliate and allows us to provide electronic licensed content to you at an off-campus location. Once you have registered and signed in, use the Galter Library website as normal - in other words, go to Find Resources and search for your journal.
How can I learn to use electronic databases and other library resources?
Galter Library offers a variety of educational workshops each month, from basic MEDLINE searching to bibliographic citation organization using EndNote. To view a list of available workshops and upcoming schedule, see the Upcoming Classes list on the home page. If you can't attend one of our scheduled classes, you can request a class for you or your group at a mutually convenient time. For self-directed learning, take a look at our Guides and Tutorials.
How do I order an article or book that the library does not have?
To request an article or book not owned by Galter Library you must fill out an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request form. Go to Request Services and Materials in the main navigation menu and choose Order an Article that the Library Does Not Own or Order a Book from Another Library. If you are not already signed in to the library website, you will be prompted to do so. In general interlibrary loan requests are filled in about 1-2 weeks. If you need a quicker turnaround you may want to contact one of the other health sciences libraries in Chicago.
There is currently no charge for interlibrary loan requests to FSM faculty, staff, students, and residents.
May I suggest that the library purchase a book or journal subscription?
Yes, we encourage your input. You can Request an Item be Added to the Collection and your request will be evaluated by our Collection Development Team.
Can I connect to the wireless network in the Library?
Yes. There is now 802.11b compliant wireless Ethernet access in the Galter Library. Wireless network access at Northwestern requires authentication via NETID and password using a VPN client.
Can I use PowerPoint or Microsoft Word in the Library?
Yes. You can use PowerPoint, Word and other Microsoft Office applications on the computers in the Learning Resources Center or the Reference Room. You can also access your email and utilize other educational software programs using the computers throughout the library.
How do I submit an article or book to be placed on course reserve?
Instructions for placing materials on reserve can be found in the Galter Library Reserves and Copyright Policies.
How do I reserve a conference room?
To reserve a conference room, call the Circulation Desk at 503-8127. Conference Rooms can also be reserved in person at the Circulation Desk. For more information and to review conference room policies please see Conference Room Reservations.
Do you still have questions?
Drop by the Reference Desk during regular hours, Ask a Librarian, or call us at 312-503-8109.