Library Services for Consumers and Patients

Our professional staff provides a full-range of library services to consumers and patients. The libraries maintain current and comprehensive collections of medical resources, including textbooks, journals, audiovisuals and reference works. Online health and medical databases are available at all sites and may be used by anyone.

The libraries are open to the public during staffed business hours and provide the following services for patients, their families and the public:

• Borrowing Materials
  Books, CDs, DVDs and audio-visual materials in our consumer health collections may be checked out during staffed hours.  Most items may be borrowed for one month, and then renewed if necessary. Items should be returned to the office during staffed hours or deposited in the book drop located outside Morristown Memorial Hospital’s health sciences library when the library is closed.
  
  
• Consumer Library Information Prescription (CLIP)  
  The CLIP service provides easy-to-understand, current, reliable health information to patients, their families and the public. This service combines the consumer health and medical collections of the Atlantic Health libraries with the wealth of materials available online through the National Library of Medicine. Anyone can ask a question via the CLIP/Ask the Hospital Librarian form; by phone at 908-522-2699; via fax at 908-522-2274; or through email at clip@atlantichealth.org.
  
  
• Patient Vision
  McKesson’s Horizon Patient Vision, implemented at Overlook Hospital, allows patients to access a multitude of information from their bedside. An interactive television system combines secure access to a patient’s personal and clinical information, as well as on-demand entertainment, Internet access and e-mail.  Patient Vision also includes an online health library and a link to Atlantic Health’s CLIP program.
  
  
• Computer Searches
  Computer literature searches using major databases such as MEDLINE and CINAHL are completed by our librarians within 24-hours of request. Atlantic Health consumers and patients may also do their own database searches during normal business hours at computer workstations in the libraries.
  
  
• Reference
  Our reference service helps users locate information quickly and easily, provides instruction on equipment use, and answers short questions over the telephone.
  
  
• Computers and Internet Access
  Consumers and patients can use designated computers featuring Internet access and a variety of software programs during regular library hours.

Additional services available at our libraries:

• Photocopy machines
• Fax machines
• Laser printers