Frequently asked questions
Can I access Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel in the library?
Yes, access to Microsoft Office is available.
Can I renew my books via the internet?
Yes, registered borrowers can renew loans via the library catalogue.
Can registered members of CAVAL borrow directly from your libraries?
No, our libraries are hospital not university libraries and for that reason borrowing by CAVAL members is not permitted. Aside from hospital staff only Monash University staff, medical and post-graduate students can borrow.
Do you provide access to the internet?
Yes, each library provides internet access to authorised users who have a valid Southern Health user ID and password. These accounts are set up by information technology services and not the library. Permission must be granted by your supervisor to initiate the process of setting up computer / internet access accounts.
How many times can I renew my book?
It is usually twice for books. But this is affected by the type of material borrowed and also depends on whether the item has been requested by someone else.
Loan category |
Borrower category |
Renewal period |
| Books, CDs | Southern Health staff, Monash University staff, Monash University postgraduate students (Masters, PhD students) | 2 weeks |
| Medical students, PHIMR Honours students, nutrition and dietetics students | 1 week | |
| Journals | Not applicable | |
| DVDs, audio tapes | Applies to all borrowers | 1 week |
| Videos (Note: most videos fall into this category) |
Applies to all borrowers | 3 days |
| 1 Week Video (Note: very few videos fall into this category) |
Applies to all borrowers | 1 week |
| Reserve (Note: most reserve materials can only be used in the library, in which case the renewal period does not apply) |
Applies to all borrowers | 1 day |
Where can I buy medical books?
From SPP Books (Ph: 1800 333 672) and JR Medical Books (Ph: (03) 9478 3288).
Where should I go if I am looking for an online journal?
The best place is the electronic journals list which can be found under Journals and E-Resources pages.
Why can’t I get full text articles for articles you have in your electronic journals list when I am searching in Medline?
Not all the electronic journals are linked from within a database (e.g. Medline, CINAHL, Embase, etc.) to the appropriate electronic journal title. It is best to check the electronic journals list after completing a database (e.g. Medline, CINAHL) search.
