Master MRCP with the Medical Masterclass (other exams are available)

One of the resources we are frequently asked for here in the library are exam revision aids - short notes, MCQs, EMQs etc etc.

We do our best to keep a regular supply of these on the shelves to help if you are studying for anything from your FRCA to your GPST or indeed an NVQ. Suggestions for new texts in these areas are always welcome as no one knows the latest quality exam texts better than those studying for the exam.

As mentioned in the latest new books post we have recently added the new edition of the Medical Masterclass . Thanks to support from the London Deanery we have four sets of the 12 paper modules that cover all aspects of the MRCP curriculum. You can also access two sets of interactive cases (only available on Newham NHS computers - you may need to get IT to install a plugin). Finally the package includes web based MCQs and mock examinations (ask KLS staff for a login).

Happy studying!

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Super computing

You will be pleased to read that the Knowledge & Library Service recently took delivery of a batch of brand new computers.

We have a total of 13 machines (unlucky for some) spread across our three rooms so you have a decent chance of getting onto one when you need one. While the new machines look only slightly more technologically advanced than the one in the picture I am assured they are pretty good. Enjoy!

PS Don't forget that we are currently open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday due to reduced staffing levels. The Cyber Room remains available 24 hours.

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Search 2.0 - how was it for you?

Here we are one week into the launch of NLH Search 2.0 and currently the stress meter in the KLS reads "Exceedingly Anxious" (see image). There are a few bugs to fix and a number of peculiarities to get used to.

In particular at present our electronic and paper journal holdings are generally missing. You can still see these in the Dialog system or by checking MyJournals.

For now we recommend that you stick with using the old Dialog system for at least a couple more weeks.

For those of you starting to explore Search 2.0 (something for the weekend perhaps?) here are some tips -

Stick to searching one database at a time so you can use the thesaurus.

The default search is just on the title field - use the drop down box to select Title and Abstract or All fields for a more sensitive search. Just searching the title is good if you are trying to find a known article.

Use "" to search for a phrase. Handy again if you are trying to check a reference or you want two or more words only when used directly next to each other.

Use * to represent 0 or many characters e.g. pregnan* or child*

If you put in more than one search word Search 2.0 will search for articles with all of the requested words in any order. Boolean logic fans will recognise this as a default AND.

That should be enough to get you started. I am keen to hear of any experiences you have with Search 2.0 - positive or negative.

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New Books March 2008

The list of new titles added to the library in March is now available.

This is just a selection of the resources available from the library. You can access our full catalogue at NewhamCat from any Newham University Hospital NHS Trust or Newham PCT networked computer.

This month's new titles include:

The new editions of the Medical Masterclass series, the second edition of Evidence-based care for midwives by Brayford, Chambers et al, Doyle's Paediatric anaesthesia and the latest edition of Calvey and Williams' Principles and practice of pharmacology for anaesthetists. Endocrine therapies in breast cancer by Buzdar, Management of spinal cord injuries by Harvey and Statutory supervision of midwives, produced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Please get in touch with any feedback or if you'd like to suggest titles for purchase: library@newhamhealth.nhs.uk

This month's library is the New York Public Library in New York City.

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Saved Searches - Lost in the move

Any major move always seems to result in a few breakages and at least one or two things getting lost. Yesterday I updated you all on the big move from Dialog to Search 2.0.


The bad news is that it will not be possible to automatically copy across any saved searches you might have in Dialog. The good news is that you have two months to rescue any saved searches before they disappear for ever.


Essentially the process is one of printing out and then entering them again in the new interface - think of it as a learning experience. Instructions have been prepared by the good folk in the NLH Service Team. Give it a go and give us a call if you get stuck 0207 363 8016.

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NLH Search 2.0 - what? when? why?

For some time now the National Library for Health home page has been sporting a big red button announcing the impending arrival of Search 2.0. You may also have spotted an advert in one of your regular weekly reads.


So what does this mean in practice? Many of you will be regular searchers of our healthcare literature databases (Medline, EMBASE, BNI, CINAHL, DH Data and PsycINFO) via the Dialog interface. Search 2.0 is going to replace both the Dialog interface and some of the other options currently used on www.library.nhs.uk . The Search 2.0 interface will be NHS specific and integrate with all the electronic resources purchased for you both nationally and locally. It should mean fewer changes to interfaces in the future and an improved experience as we exercise increased control over development.

In the first instance there are likely to be a few teething problems. Search 2.0 is due to be made available on the 1st of April. The good news is that we will have a two month overlap period where the old dialog interface will remain in place.

The Knowledge & Library Service team are working hard on getting their own skills up to scratch on the new interface and will be offering a programme of training as soon as possible. We will also be creating training guides and cheat sheets. Inspired by our colleagues at the FADE Library up in Liverpool we will be bringing you highlights from the training guides over the next few days.

Electronic Journals - Update - more for managers

Hot on the heels of our previous message about electronic journals comes a further announcement.



An additional collection called EBSCO Health Business Elite will be available from 1 April. As you might expect given the title this will cover health management topics. You can access the full title list online with some 500 journals included.

One title that stands out is the Harvard Business Review which we know people appreciated when we had access to it in the past. The weekly publications Hospital Doctor, Doctor and GP are also all included so we will have a way to track down older articles from these publications that people often wanted. There are a lot of titles from across the Atlantic for those seeking a wider view and the collection includes finance and HR titles.

All of the information about access in the previous post remains applicable. More to follow I am sure.

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