Library services
Our helpful Library and information services team are here to help you find the information you need for your research, CPD, or to stay up-to-date with clinical matters. We have a number of online services available to members, including an online catalogue. Or members can visit us in person by booking an appointment.
Borrowing books
Practising members and pre-registration trainees may borrow up to four items. Loans are automatically renewed, up to four times, as long as they haven’t been reserved by another member.
Students can borrow two items at a time, for a period of 28 days.
If we don’t have the item that you are looking for, please email library@college-optometrists.org. We source non-College resources from the British Library. We charge £10 for a digital copy of an article and £15 for a book loan. Please note: Due to a severe cyber-attack on the British Library webpages, this service has been put on hold until further notice.
OpenAthens passwords
College members can request an OpenAthens username and password to gain free online access to the world’s leading optometric and ophthalmic journals and ebooks – saving thousands of pounds in subscription fees. Email library@college-optometrists.org.
Literature searches
Members engaging in practice-based research, or anybody doing research that is not part of a degree course, can ask us to carry out a literature search on their behalf.
We can also provide training on how to devise a search strategy, and how to search relevant databases and websites for literature on your chosen topic. We can do this in person, over the phone or online. Contact us to book an appointment on 020 7766 5358 or library@college-optometrists.org.
Photocopying
We can copy journal articles, research reports, sections of books and other publications from our library collection, and send them by email or in the post. Simply contact us with your request.