FAQ

How do I find a book?

To search the library catalog, connect to the Catalog. In the Basic Search mode, you can choose to search by keyword, author, title or subject. Choose Advanced Search to search other fields, combine terms or limit by location, format, or date. Click on the link to view the location, and note the call number. Books in the “UF Health Science Center Library General Collection” are on the second floor, shelved by call number.

How do I find a journal?

Print journals are located on the third floor of the UF Health Science Center Library.  Journals are shelved in alphabetical order by the journal title.

Many of our journals are available electronically; you can find out which print and electronic journals the library has by searching the Catalog.  From the Catalog page:

  • In the drop-down menu, choose “Journal Title”
  • Type your journal title in the search box.
  • Click on the title. To see which issues the library holds, click on “Detailed Holdings” or scroll down.  The holdings screen will also tell you when issues are checked out. If you are still having trouble finding a journal, ask for help at the Information Desk.
  • For electronic journals, click the link “Click here for full text options” then choose the link that covers the year you are interested in.

How do I find the full title of a journal when all I have is an abbreviation?

PubMed citations and other sources may only list a journal abbreviation (e.g. Curr Opin Neurol), rather than the full title of the journal.  To find the journal’s full title, you can use the Journal Abbreviation tool available through the Catalog. There are links to this tool on the top-right of the Catalog in blue and below the search box under “Search Tools.”

How do I find articles on a topic?

Articles can be located through use of one or more of the databases available on the Databases page. The best way to find articles on a subject is to use the thesaurus or subject headings in the database, if available. This allows you to find the accepted term that represents the concept you are looking for rather than requiring that the exact words are in the title or abstract of the article. The library offers instruction in using these databases.

How do I find dissertations in the library?

See this guide to Finding Theses and Dissertations from UF and beyond.

How do I find proceedings/symposia in the library?

Proceedings and meetings can be difficult to locate in the UF catalog, so you will need to try a variety of strategies. When searching the UF Catalog, try the following strategies:

  • Entering the name of the sponsoring society under Author.
  • Entering the name of the symposium or proceedings under Title.
  • Narrowing results by clicking on “congresses” under either Medical Subject:Topic or Subject:Genre
  • Using a variety of words in your search: proceeding or conference or meeting or congress or symposium or symposia

How do I contact someone at the University of Florida or UF Health?

Information about students, faculty and staff at the University of Florida can be obtained by searching the UF Directory. For individuals affiliated with UF Health, check the UF Health contact page.

Using the library…

What are the library hours?

You can find this information on our Hours page

Where are you located?

You can find this information on our Location, Maps & Parking page

Where can I find parking?

You can find this information on our Location, Maps & Parking page. The UF Transportation and Parking Services page has additional information on visitor parking: parking.ufl.edu.

Can I make photocopies?

Yes.  Self-service copiers and printers are located throughout the library. Black and White copiers are on all floors. A color copier is available on the 1st floor. Some copiers in the library also offer such special features as double-sided printing and top-loading. Copy machines use Gator 1 cards. Guest Copy cards are available at the Information Desk. Value must be added to the Gator 1 card and copy cards using a credit card. Go here for more information.

Where are the restrooms?

There are restrooms located on the first floor, outside of and across from the main entrance to the library, as well as on the second floor, in the hallway around the corner from the Informatics Lab.

Getting materials…

How do I check out library materials?

University faculty, staff, and students must use their Gator 1 cards to check out library materials. Cards may be “activated” for library privileges at any University of Florida library Circulation Desk. The barcode number beginning with “200…” at the bottom of the Gator 1 card is your library borrower number. It may also be used to access databases from home. Shands employees, VA employees, and others who are not directly enrolled at or employed by UF may apply for courtesy borrowing privileges at the Health Science Center Library Circulation Desk. Courtesy borrowers will not be able to access electronic resources using their courtesy cards.

How do I get a Gator 1 Card?

How do I turn in library materials if the library is closed?

There are three book drops: one is on the first floor of the Communicore Building at the main entrance to the Library and the other two are on the sidewalks on the north side of the Communicore Building next to the Academic Research Building, and the driveway circle by the HPNP Complex. Please do not return A/V materials in an outside book drop as they are easily damaged; it is recommended that all journals and reserve items also be returned directly to the library to avoid accumulation of fines. More information available on our book drop page.

What are overdue fines for library materials?

Books, CDs, DVDs and AVs accrue fines of $0.25/day, per item, for each day they are overdue. Periodicals/journals are billed at $0.25/hour. Short-term loan items including course reserves, study room keys and reference items are billed at $1.00/hour. Fines will accrue overnight and on holidays if not returned on time, before library closing.

Where do I pay library fines and fees?

All library fines are collected at University Financial Services, S113 Criser Hall. You may also mail your payment to:

University Financial Services
P. O. Box 114050
Gainesville, FL 32611-4050

How do I request materials for the library to purchase?

You may request materials for the library to purchase by completing and submitting the online request form. Please note that our ability to fulfill your request will depend on the availability of funds.

Using digital resources…

How do I access digital resources remotely?

There are several options for remotely accessing the HSC Libraries’ resources.

How do I establish a GatorLink account?

You can find this information at the GatorLink Account Resources.

When and where are library resource classes taught?

You can find this information on our Library Classes and tutorials page

How do I ask a Reference Librarian a question?

You can contact your liaison librarian directly, or you can ask a reference question using our form.

Are there any computers I can use?

Yes! There are computers on all three floors of the library that are available for use.  If there is no class taking place, you are also welcome to use the Informatics Lab on the 2nd floor (room C2-3).  For more information about what is available on each floor, please see Our Facility.

Can I request a database or literature search by a librarian?

Yes! HSCL librarians will perform free literature searches for UF faculty and staff. To request a search, please fill out our Literature Search form. Please note that we typically do not perform literature searches for students, although we can guide you in doing your own searches.

How do I get something through document delivery?

You can use ILLiad to request items through interlibrary loan – this service is free to UF faculty, students, and staff.  You can also request a copy of an article found within the HSCL, for a small fee.