PHIA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the phone number to talk to the PHIA librarian?

Carolyn Biglow can be reached at 412-648-1974.  When she is unavailable, call the reference desk at Falk Library, 412-648-8796.

How do I get a PHIA account?

To get a PHIA borrowing account, you must fill out and submit an application form.  Details are available at Registering Procedures.

Can PHIA members use HSLS libraries in person?

Yes, you can use Falk library.  While in the library you can read journals and books.  If you have a PHIA account you can check out circulating materials.  You can search the library catalog, but library computers that search the Internet or databases that HSLS subscribes to are not available to PHIA patrons.  They require an affiliation with UPMC or the University of Pittsburgh for access.  During the hours that the reference desk is staffed, the reference librarian on duty is available to help you use the library.  Falk reference desk is open 8:30 am - 5:30 pm M-F, and noon to 4 pm on Saturday. 

Can PHIA members use other University of Pittsburgh libraries in person?

Your PHIA borrowing card does not allow you to walk in and check out a circulating item, but any member of the general public can walk in and use the books and journals in any University of Pittsburgh (ULS) library.  If you want to borrow a book from a ULS library, go to Document Delivery. For ULS library hours, see http://www.library.pitt.edu/libraries/hours/all.html .

What are the HSLS libraries' hours?

Falk Library:

• Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–midnight
• Friday: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–midnight

Note: Entrance to Scaife Hall after 9 p.m. requires a valid University of Pittsburgh or UPMC ID.

WPIC Library:

• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

How can I find a journal article on a particular topic?

Two free resources available to ACHD, PubMed and Google Scholar, can help you find journal articles on a topic of interest to you.  PubMed is produced by the National Library of Medicine, and includes the MEDLINE database of health and medical literature.  Google Scholar is a tool included on the Google website that limits search results to articles and reports that are scholarly in nature.  If you have questions about using either resource contact Carolyn Biglow.  She is also available to do searches for you.

How do I find out if HSLS or ULS owns a particular book or journal?

Use PittCat, the online catalog of all University of Pittsburgh ULS and HSLS libraries.  Help using PittCat is available at http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/phia/use/locating .

If the library does not have the book or journal article I want, how can I get it?

PHIA will obtain a copy for you of any work-related journal article or book you need from another library.  Go to Document Delivery to place your request.

How do I order a copy of a journal article?

Go to Document Delivery.   If you have the PubMed ID number (PMID)  for the article, you can use it to indicate which article you need without typing the complete citation yourself.

How do I borrow a book?

Go to Document Delivery to place your request.  You must be a registered PHIA library user to borrow books.

How do I renew a book?

Call the Falk Library Circulation desk, 412-648-8867, or the WPIC Library Circulation desk, 412-624-2378, to renew a book.  You may renew a book once.

The book/ article I ordered hasn't arrived.  Who do I call?

Contact either Renae Barger, Document Delivery Coordinator at rbarger@pitt.edu  or 412-648-9750; or Barb May, Document Delivery Manager,  at bmay@pitt.edu or 412-648-2037.  If they are not available, contact Carolyn Biglow, cbiglow@pitt.edu, 412-648-1974.