Library services
Literature searches and research assistance
We offer a literature searching service for members of the College, where our expert librarian will perform a search on your behalf. This service is designed to help answer clinical questions, keep you up to date on a topic, or help you with any research you may be carrying out.
Depending on the query, one or more databases of academic journal articles will be searched. The results of a search will be a list of bibliographic references which will be emailed to you.
Examples of requested topics include:
- OCD in the elderly
- Psychological interventions to reduce recidivism
- Screening for dementia in patients with vascular diseases
- Lithium and chronic kidney disease
We can also assist with systematic reviews. If you are interested in requesting a search, please get in touch.
Members are also very welcome to undertake their own literature searches using the resources provided by the library, including Medline, Embase and the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection.
Access to all eResources is via your RCPsych OpenAthens account. If you don't have an account yet, please get in touch.
Training
We offer one to one training for any members getting started using the electronic resources or looking to improve their skills. All sessions are conducted over Teams unless requested otherwise. To book just get in touch.
Exam Preparation
Many of the books in the library will be helpful for exam preparation. One highlight is access to the ebook: The Maudsley Trainee Guide to the CASC.
We also have paper copies in the library of all the books on the Paper A and Paper B reading lists. Most of these are available to borrow, except for some of the textbooks, where their size makes them unsuitable for postal loans.
Inter-library loans
Articles from outside our collection can be obtained through various inter-library arrangements. Requests are limited to five article requests per person per week. We may not be able to provide what you are looking for but we also don't charge for inter-library loans, so it is always worth asking.
Information for researchers, patients and non-members
Patient and carer representatives who work with the College have the same access to the Library as member psychiatrists.
Non-members may visit the library by prior arrangement with the Librarian if they cannot find what they need in a public library.
If you have more general questions about the College or care that you have received from a psychiatrist please see our FAQs.