The library holds a range of publications in different formats, mainly books and journals, with a smaller number of audio visual materials. Subjects include nursing (including history, education and administration) and nursing practice with an emphasis on working conditions for nurses and workforce trends. Historically the collection has not concentrated on clinical material but there has been a recent shift in collection policy to develop this area.
Special collections include the historic 1986 50-day Victorian nurses strike and UNA the journal of the Victorian Trained Nurses Association 1903-1974.
Using the ANF Library
The library is a service available to all financial members of the ANF and to the broader library communities particularly the national health library network.
On behalf of members library staff can access resources such as the CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) database, ProQuest Nursing Journals and the internet, or help those visiting the library access them and assist with their search strategies.
We also offer advice on useful websites and searching tips for more effective results, and, time permitting, can undertake searches for members and forward the results via email. Requests can be made via the library assistance request form and members are welcome to come and visit the library in person at any time, but we would suggest calling first to enable the best possible assistance. (If sending emails please remember to include member number and postal address.)
Journals
The library holds a number of significant journals. These journals are available for viewing or staff can provide copies of articles for members and send them out on request
The ProQuest Nursing Journals database also provides a large selection of journals, many of them full text. Please contact the library to check whether a particular journal is included.
Nursing student services
The resources in the library are excellent for undergraduate and postgraduate students. If the material required is not in the library the librarian can still assist with your search.
Borrowing
The library has traditionally been a reference library only which means that materials may not normally be taken out but must be used in the library. There are photocopying facilities available at the cost of 10 cents per sheet.
Some exceptions to this rule are if an item is borrowed through an interlibrary loan (a request processed by another library, which usually incurs a small fee) which acts as insurance against loss.
The other scenario is if you are a student undertaking certain full-time courses at the ANF Education and Training Centre, you will have borrowing rights to the library collection.
Library staff will try to accommodate members, particularly those in country areas unable to visit, eg it is possible to photocopy sections from books (in accordance with copyright legislation) and posting them out.
Publications for sale through the library
ANF offers a range of publications to assist nurses to keep up to date with their profession and health industry trends. A list of these publications and an order form is available in the resources box on this page.
