FAQs

Athens

What is an Athens account?
An Athens account is a password system which allows access to information resources. Your Athens account will not allow you to access every resource which uses the Athens password system only the resources which have been purchased by the NHS.

How do I get an Athens account?
You can register for an Athens account at NHS Athens Registration . Ideally register from an NHS computer or with an NHS email address for your registration to be instant.

I have changed Trust. How do I change my Athens account?
Go to  NHS Evidence  click Journals and Databases. Log on with your Athens account. Click on My Account in the top right and then Change Organisation. You will then be able to transfer your account to your new trust and update your details.

Why won't my Athens account let me in?
Athens accounts only allow access to resources purchased by your organisation therefore you will not be able to access every resource with an Athens login box.

Membership

I work in the Portsmouth area - can I use you?
If you work for one of our core organisations (eg NHS Hampshire or Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust) then we are your main library service. Please explore our web pages to find out about our services or contact us. You can still visit the libraries of Portsmouth NHS Library Service and borrow books, but they will refer you to Hampshire Healthcare Library Service for any other services.

If you work for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust or Portsmouth City PCT, your library service is Portsmouth NHS Library Service

I work for SUHT - can I use you?
The main library service for all Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust staff is Health Services Library. SUHT staff are welcome to join our service as Partner Members in order to borrow books but will be referred to Health Services Library for any other services.

Borrowing items

How do I log into SWIMS to renew?
Go to www.swims.nhs.uk. Click on Log in on the left hand side and enter your SWIMS card number starting U. Remember to Log off once you have finished.

How many times can I renew my book?
You can renew 28 day loan items twice and short loan items (7 and 14 day loans) once.

Why can't I renew my books on SWIMS?
You won't be able to renew your books on SWIMS if one of the following applies:

• your membership to the library has expired
• another member has reserved the book
• you have reached the maximum number of renewals allowed for that book

My book is late. How much will I be fined?
You will be fined if you are late returning a short loan item (7 and 14 day loans). The fine is 50p per day. You can renew the item on SWIMS to stop the fine increasing if you have not renewed the item before.