Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours of the Scientific Library?
The Scientific Library staff are available Monday - Friday: 8am - 4:30pm, excluding federal holidays.
Online library resources are accessible 24/7. 

Who can use the Scientific Library?
The Scientific Library is a research library and provides library services to Government and Contract personnel at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick. In addition, some services are offered to specific Military Organizations at Ft. Detrick. 

NCI at Frederick employees may access the library's licensed online journals, online books, and databases from locations other than an NCI-F site. Use the NIH username and password you use to access the NIH network and your email. Please contact us if you experience issues accessing the library's resources.  

How do I get a Scientific Library account?
NCI-F employees may check out books and other circulating materials with their PIV card.

What materials may I check out and for how long?
The Scientific Library circulates books from its collection. Books may be checked out for 8 weeks.
 

How can I request materials that the Scientific Library does not own?
Interlibrary Loan requests may be submitted by current employees. Requests are usually filled within 7 to 10 business days.
More information about Interlibrary Loan Services.

What databases does the Scientific Library have?
List of Databases. See also List of Electronic Resources.

Where can I find a list of journals that the Scientific Library provides?
For all journal titles, refer to the OneSearch

Does the Scientific Library provide any information for non-scientists?
Library materials may be located using the Scientific Library's Online Catalog.

Does the Scientific Library offer a service to keep me current on a particular topic?
Yes. The Scientific Library can customize an alert, or current awareness search, to meet your specific needs. Please contact us.
More information about the Current Awareness Alerts Service.

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Does the Scientific Library offer any instructional classes?
Yes. List of training opportunities

How do I request information from the library, contact us and tell us what you need:

        - For a librarian to gather information or provide customized research

        - Assistance in finding articles, books or other documents

        - Questions about resources or services

        - To recommend a resource for the library to consider

        - Resolving access issues to any of the library's resources

For questions and concerns relating to library staff, services, and policies, please email NCIFredLibrary@mail.nih.gov.  Library staff are available 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.