Frequently Asked Questions
- Access and eligibility
- Working with a librarian
- Finding journals, books, and databases
- Training, alerts, and continuing education
Access and eligibility
Q: Who can use VA library resources?
A: Nationally licensed library resources are available to eligible VA staff, some trainees, and other authorized users. Most subscriptions are intended for internal use to support patient care, education, research, and operations. Veterans and families can use the Veterans Health Library for patient-facing information.
Q: Can Veterans and families use the VHA National Desktop Library?
A: No. The VHA National Desktop Library is designed for VA staff. Veterans, caregivers, and families should use the Veterans Health Library, which provides VA-approved patient education materials.
Q: How do I access library resources on the VA network?
A: On the VA network, staff can use Single Sign-On (SSO) with VA credentials to access LibLynx and many subscribed resources. From the VHA National Desktop Library home page, select your medical center, choose a resource, and follow local or national links to journals, books, databases, and tools.
Q: How do I access library resources from a personal device or off the VA network?
A: If you plan to use library resources off the VA network, create a LibLynx password while you are connected to VA (onsite or via VPN/Citrix). You can then log in from a personal device or when away from the VA network to access supported resources. Some tools still require LibLynx credentials for setup and remote use.
Q: I work in a VISN office or nonmedical center site. Which library portal should I use?
A: If prompted to select a medical center or facility, choose the closest medical center or the facility that manages your local library services. This will route you to the appropriate portal for journals, books, and databases.
Working with a librarian
Q: How do I find my librarian or local library contact?
A: Use the Find Your Librarian page to locate embedded librarians, local library contacts, or another librarian in your VISN who can assist you. Some facilities rely on non-librarian points of contact and self-service tools; the VA Library Network can help connect you with field librarians when needed.
Q: What can VA librarians help me with?
A: VA librarians support literature searches, evidence reviews, reference questions, training, alerts, collection support, and help using journals, books, databases, and point-of-care tools. They partner with staff to find, evaluate, and apply information in clinical, research, educational, and operational settings.
Q: How do I request a literature search or evidence review?
A: Contact your local librarian or use your facility’s established request process. Provide your clinical question or topic, key terms, time frame, and practice or program context. Librarians use structured search strategies and evidence-based tools to locate and organize relevant information.
Q: Can librarians help me create or manage alerts?
A: Yes. Librarians prepare literature alerts on selected topics and can help you set up or customize alerts, including journal alerts through BrowZine and news searching support. They can also provide search strategies for retired alerts and help you run or adapt them.
Q: When should I contact a librarian versus local IT?
A: Contact a librarian for questions about content, search strategies, resource selection, and login to library tools. Contact local IT for issues with VA devices, VPN/Citrix, or network connectivity. Librarians and IT often work together to resolve access problems.
Q: What is VALNET?
A: The Veterans Affairs Library Network (VALNET) is VA’s national health sciences library network and community of practice for librarians and library staff. VALNET librarians provide knowledge-based information and services that support clinical and management decision-making, research, and education to enhance the quality of care for Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. For more detail, see the VA Library Network (VALNET) page.
Finding journals, books, and databases
Q: How do I find an online journal or book?
A: From the VHA National Desktop Library, select your medical center using the dropdown and use your local portal to search or browse for online journals and books. This connects you to full text and shows coverage for your facility.
Q: How do I find a specific journal, ebook, or article when I have a citation?
A: Use your facility’s journal and book search (Serials Solutions) when you know the title, ISSN, ISBN, DOI, or PMID. From there, click through to available online access or determine whether you need to request the item through interlibrary loan. Tools such as LibKey can help retrieve articles by DOI or PMID and then route you to full text or request options.
Q: How do I discover journals in my field or follow new issues?
A: Use BrowZine to browse journals by subject, locate journals by title or ISSN, and follow journals of interest. BrowZine is useful for discovery and for keeping up with newly published content. Journal alerts in BrowZine replace older table of contents alert services.
Q: Where can I learn what each database does?
A: The Database Descriptions page provides brief descriptions of nationally supported databases and major resources. The VA Library Network reviews this collection regularly to add or retire databases based on VA priorities, usage, and technical requirements. Local library staff can help you choose appropriate databases and provide training.
Q: How do I request materials my facility does not own?
A: If an article, book, or other item is not available through your local collections, your librarian can help request it through interlibrary loan or other document delivery services. Use your local request forms or contact your librarian directly for assistance.
Training, alerts, and continuing education
Q: How can I earn CME or CE using library resources?
A: Several nationally licensed resources include CME and CE opportunities as part of VA subscriptions. These tools support clinical care and education and allow eligible users to earn credit while using trusted content. Follow the registration and sign-in instructions for each resource, complete the activities, and claim credit per the resource’s guidance. Staff should follow licensing board, certifying organization, and local education office guidance on how to apply earned credits.
Q: Does the VA Library Network support training on library tools and gen AI?
A: Yes. Librarians can provide training on journals, databases, point-of-care tools, and generative AI features in supported resources. Training may include search strategies, evidence-based practice, and safe, effective use of gen AI tools. Review the Training page for live vendor demos or past recordings. Find Your Librarian to discuss options for individual or group sessions.
Q: What kinds of alerts are available to help me stay current?
A: VA librarians support several types of alerts, including librarian-prepared literature alerts on selected topics, journal alerts through BrowZine, and news searching services. Some alerts highlight research about Veterans and VA-authored research; others help you follow journals or topics relevant to your work.
Q: How do I request or manage alerts?
A: Use the Alerts page to review available options and follow instructions for literature alerts or journal alerts. For custom or niche topics, contact your librarian to discuss needs, frequency, and format. Librarians can help design search strategies and configure alerts in supported tools.
Q: Are there mobile apps for library resources, and how do I use them?
A: Some national subscriptions include mobile apps that support use on government and, in some cases, personal devices. Review the Mobile Apps page for supported tools and setup instructions. Contact local IT for device or network issues and your librarian for login or resource access questions.
