NIH Patient Library

FAQs

Questions:

Answers:

How long may I borrow materials?
Our loan period is two weeks. If you are on a three or four week protocol schedule, please let us know and we will adjust our due date to meet your needs. Movie DVD's are available to inpatients for a two night check out; XBOX 360 games and controllers are a one week checkout.

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I am an outpatient. May I check out materials?
Yes. We serve the information needs of all NIH patients, both inpatient and outpatient. However, our laptops/tablets, XBOX games and controllers, and DVD movies and players are reserved for inpatient use only.

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My sister is an NIH patient. May I check out materials?
Yes. The NIH Patient Library serves family members and caregivers of NIH Patients.

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Do you have ebooks?
Yes, Our ebooks and e-audiobooks are available for patients and family members through Libby. Please download the Libby/Overdrive app on your device, and then call us at 301-451-7603 for a library card number. It’s that easy!

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How do I borrow library materials if I am room-bound?
We will gladly deliver materials to your room, and pick them up when you are finished. Please contact us, or call us at 301-451-7603, message us on Facebook, or let your Recreation Therapist know your needs.

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May I reserve time on a library computer workstation?
Yes. You may reserve 30 minute time periods at our library computer workstations. You may call us ahead of time from your room to reserve a time at 301-451-7603.

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Is a printer available?
Yes, a printer and scanner are available for use by patients and their families. If you need to print out more than twenty pages, please check with the librarian.

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May NIH staff check out materials from the Patient Library?
NIH staff employed in Building 10 on the NIH Campus may check out books and audiobooks from the library. If we have loaned an item to you which is then requested by a patient, we will contact you and request its return for patient use. Our magazines, music CD's, DVDs, and computers are reserved for use by patients and their guests only.

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How do I return materials to the library?
You may return books and other items to the library during our regular business hours, or you may use our book drop located in the corridor outside the 7th Floor Library. If you are not able to come to the library, please call us to arrange for pick up of your materials.

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How do you keep library materials clean?
Patient Library staff members are in daily contact with the NIH Hospital Epidemiology Service, and follow all CDC and Clinical Center guidelines on the sanitizing of materials and contact surfaces.

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Other Questions
If you have any questions about the NIH Patient Library and its services, you may call the library at 301-451-7603 for assistance. Also, you may e-mail your question to NIH Patient Library staff, at patientlibrary@cc.nih.gov or message us on Facebook.

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This page last updated on 10/27/2023

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