Getting the most out of NZNO's library: NZNO members have access to a comprehensive library, focusing on nurses' health and employment issues. Here's a guide on how to make the most of this valuable resource.

KAI TIAKI Nursing New Zealand readers may have noticed a new feature in the last couple of issues. In recent months, the NZNO library has begun promoting some of its resources, particularly those relating to the focus of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand.

This column of resources has been well received by members although many have expressed surprise that a library service is available for them.

In an attempt to demystify the service and the process, here is an outline of what we do, what you can reasonably expect from us, and if you use our service, what we expect from you.

The NZNO library was set up in the 1980s when NZNO was NZNA. The purpose of the NZNO library is to support the mission statement of NZNO. This means we have a specific focus to the material we collect and much of it relates to industrial or workplace issues for nurses and health care workers. We also try to gather historical and New Zealand material that has an emphasis on nursing.

At present we have two full-time qualified librarians, each with experience in health and medical libraries. As well as providing a service to NZNO staff and members, we also deal with the day-today, behind the scenes "library stuff".

Borrowing material: As yet, members do not have access to the library catalogue through our website although we are investigating developing this as an option in future. Therefore, members need to ask the library staff for either a specific item or for material on a topic. While you are welcome to ask for an exact title, keep in mind we are often unable to provide material with a clinical focus. We can, for example, provide you with a copy of an article from Journal of Advanced Nursing but don't subscribe to a title as specific as Paediatric Nursing. A title like this would be best located at a medical library.

You may also request information on a topic. For instance, if you are writing a policy for your workplace on how to deal with bullying or documentation, or investigating the benefits of music for patients recovering from surgery, then we are able to put together a pack of material for you. This selection may include the results of a literature search for you to make some choices from, a book, a couple of articles and some references to web sites for you to investigate.

When asking for information on a topic, please be as specific as possible. We cannot interpret your topic so asking for "anything on diabetes" is far too broad for us to assist with. You need to consider why you need the information; your target audience; the level of information, any focus--child or adult, general population or a specific ethnic group; material from a New Zealand or international perspective and so on. This helps us to quickly locate material that is relevant to your needs.

Loan period for items: Book material is usually loaned for a four-week period and, if necessary, you are able to renew this material provided no-one else is waiting for it. If a book is in demand, we reserve the right to shorten the loan period and recall it. Video material is issued for two weeks. Photocopies of articles are yours to keep. There is no charge for this service, However, the return of the material in good condition and on time is the responsibility of the borrower.

Studying: The NZNO library is often approached for assistance by members undertaking a course of study. However the NZNO library is not resourced to support students at either the under- or postgraduate level. We do not hold multi-copies of course-recommended readings, nor are we able to provide you with books that are course texts. These are part of your course and need to be provided by either you, the student, or the institution you are enrolled with.

If you are an NZNO member enrolled at a technical institute, polytechnic or university, then we expect you to have first referred to the library resources of the in stitution you are enrolled with. We believe it is the responsibility of that institution to provide you with the resources to assist with your course of study. If they are not providing you with the requisite resources, then your library staff and course tutors need to be made aware of this so the issue can be addressed.

Details we require from you: When contacting the NZNO library whether by phone or email, we will need your name, postal address, email address if you have one, and a contact phone number.

Library guides: To assist you to access some of the material the library holds we have prepared guides and handouts. At the moment, we have the following available and will send out copies in either hard copy or electronic format:

* How to guides: These guides list resources on a range of topics including how to write an exemplar; how to run a meeting; how to write a care plan, how to give a presentation etc.

* Maori health, Treaty issues and Tikanga Maori resource list.

* List of resources for bullying and workplace violence.

* List of nursing related websites and basic internet search strategies.

* Guide to New Zealand government information online.

Guide for students.

* Outline of services provided by the NZNO library.

* A listing of journals held by NZNO library.

When the NZNO internet is redesigned later in the year, these items will be available via the website.

Members in Wellington or visiting Wellington are welcome to visit us between 9am and 4.30pm but we ask that you call first to make sure staff are available to assist you.

For more information about any of the above or to make an appointment to visit us, please email [e-mail] or ph. 04 931 6736 (DDI).