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The Royal College of Surgeons of England

LibGuides

E-books

As a member or postgraduate affiliate of The Royal College of Surgeons of England or The Faculty of Dental Surgery, you are entitled to access our collection of e-books. This guide provides information on why you should use e-books and how to access them.

Our main provider for e-books is Elsevier's ClinicalKey plus we have access to two collections with LWW Health Library, "Surgery" and "Orthopaedic Surgery".

E-books are invaluable tools for medical and surgical training, offering several advantages over traditonal print materials:

  • Accessibility: E-books can be accessed on multiple devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, computers), allowing surgical professionals and trainees to study anywhere, anytime. This flexibilty is particularly useful for this with demanding schedules and on-call shifts.
  • Up-to-date information: Medicine and surgery are rapidly evolving fields. E-books can be updated more easily and frequently than print versions, ensuring you always have access to the latest evidence-based practices, guidelines and research.
  • Multimedia integration: Many medical e-books incorporate interactive features such as videos, diagrams and quizzes, which enhance learning and make complex concepts more understanable. Surgical procedures, in particular, can be better illustrated through 3D models or video demonstations.
  • Searchable content: E-books allow users to search for specific terms or topics instantly, which is crucial when looking up key information quickly during clinical practice or while studying for exams.
  • Portability: The wider surgical team often moves between offices, clinics and hospitals. E-books eliminate the need to carry heavy textbooks, as multiple references can be stored on a single device.
  • Cost-effective and environmentally friendly: E-books allow for institutional licensing, providing access to a huge variety of subjects at reduced cost and impact on the environment.

These benefits make e-books a powerful tool for optimizing learning, improving  patient care, and staying current in the dynamic fields of medicine and surgery.

You will need a College login account in order to access these e-books. Login at the College website before visiting the library online catalogue and the e-book section, then look for an institutional login link: depending on the site, you will then need to either click on an OpenAthens link or select the College from a list of institutions. Please visit our step by step login guide.

Searching for e-books

Use the Surgical Library catalogue to search or browse our online and print books. You can search the catalogue by title, keyword, or subject or browse by surgical specialty by clicking on the icons.

 

Using e-books during a short interval in your day is a great way to find focus and make the most of your time. Here are some tips on how to get started:

  • Choose the right e-book: Pick a book that suits your specialty and interests. You can add multiple ebooks to a list of desired content and dip in and out when you have a moment.
  • Find a comfortable spot: If possible, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can read without distractions.
  • Download ahead of time: Ensure your e-book section or chapter is downloaded on your device so you don't waste time waiting for it to load.
  • Set a timer: If you have limited time, set a timer so that you can enjoy your reading without worrying about the time.
  • Use bookmarks: Digital bookmarks can help you easily find where you left off.
  • Take notes: If you like jotting down your own thoughts or adding highlights on particularly compelling passages/useful illustrations or datasets, many e-book readers offer note-taking features.