Completion requirements
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3. How do I access the evidence?
3.1. For those in universities
4.1 For those in universities
It’s a huge advantage to have access to a university library, as it will give its members free access to databases and journals.
University and college libraries spend a large proportion of their budget, sometimes literally millions, on such subscriptions to databases and electronic journals (eJournals). Libraries sign licensing agreements with the publishers that mean they can legally only give access to their constituent members.
If you are a member of a university, be sure to use its library for your EBVM.
Visit the library website
You can usually find out which databases and journals you have access to via your library catalogue or website.
Contact your librarians
Librarians have knowledge and expertise and can provide:
- training in literature searching
- one-to-one support for developing a search strategy
- help with retrieving the full text of journal articles.
Make the most of your library membership while you have it
When you leave university, you lose your library membership and access, so make the most of it while you are there.
See if there are any options for retaining library membership
If at any point in your career you undertake a professional development course at a university, find out if this gives you library access – it might, even if you are part time or a distance-learner.
Libraries can sometimes include affiliated members of the university in their membership, so if you are working at a university but will leave, find out if you can be awarded visiting or honorary status that maintains your library access.
Some university libraries offer visitor membership, but this rarely includes access to online resources due to the licence agreements.