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Summa Medical Library

Library Help & Information

NEW Feature: Reserve a space in the library online! Click an orange button below to get started.

Notice About Off-site access: On April 21st, 2025, we're changing how off-site access works on the backend. You'll now log in using your Summa email and password - NOT your library credentials. Please reach out to the library if you have any challenges accessing our resources off-site after this date.

Library Help

Do you need a particular article? We can usually help you find it or provide it to you through our Document Delivery Service.

If you're not sure how to find an article, just call (330-375-3260) or email (amedlib@summahealth.org). We will assist you. If you're interested, we can also teach you how to find the full text on your own.

When you contact us to request a certain article:
  • Let us know as much reference information as you have about the article. If you know the PMID number, please include that information in your request.  (Some articles do not have PMIDs)
  • For best results, email or fax us that information rather than leaving it on voice mail.
  • If you have a list of two or more specific articles that you need, please do not call in the information you have. Instead, scan the list of references for the articles that you need and attach the scan to an email to amedilib@summahealth.org OR copy/paste or type the article references into an email to us.

* We will not print out online articles for you, nor will we fax them to you. However, we will be happy to email them to you.

Do you need to find articles on a certain topic?  We can help you through our literature search consults/tutorials

Literature Search Services

Due to staffing levels, the librarians cannot provide customized literature searches for all Summa personnel.*  However, librarians ARE available to provide tutorials and consults to assist you in your effort to find information/articles that you need.  We provide both:

  • In-Person One-on-one Tutorials or Consults On How & Where To Search: Call (330-375-3260) or email (amedlib@summahealth.org) the Summa Medical Library to set up your appointment. 
  • Phone Tutorials or Consults: = Pre-scheduled phone appointments are recommended. Call (330-375-3260) or email (amedlib@summahealth.org) the Summa Medical Library to set up your appointment. Impromptu phone consults are possible, but subject to librarian availability at the time of your call.
    • For best results, both the caller and the librarian should be sitting in front of their computers during the phone call.
What Can I Learn from a Librarian Tutorial/Consult?
  • We can help you better utilize the library's website and point out resources that might be helpful to you.
  • We can teach you better techniques for your own searches for the literature and information you need. 
  • If you have searched on your own and have not been able to find what you need, a librarian may be able to work with you on terminology that will yield better results.

* Librarian-mediated literature searches are usually available to attendings and managers & above

Are you trying to find out if a certain journal title or eBook is available to you through the Summa Medical Library?

Check the Full Text Finder:

Or call (330-375-3260) or email (amedlib@summahealth.org) the library for assistance.

Are you looking for a hardcopy book?  Look in our online catalog that has Summa Library's holdings: NEOLINK

We are testing a new service!  

Book delivery straight to you through interoffice mail! That means that borrowed books can be sent to you at any location that receives interoffice mail through the Summa interoffice mail operation (including most SHMG offices).*  They can also be returned to the Library through interoffice mail.

*A few of our books may not be able to be sent through interoffice mail because they are too heavy or fragile.  This will be decided at the discretion of library staff.

The Library Staff

Wendy Hess
Medical Librarian
330-375-6108
hessw@summahealth.org

Kathleen Walker
Clinical Informationist

330-375-6970
walkerka@summahealth.org

Rachel Hamilton
Medical Librarian
330-375-6658
hamiltonr@summahealth.org

Library Location and Access

Location and Contact:

South Pavilion, Akron Campus, Ground Floor, Suite G-3

55 Arch St. Suite G-3
Akron, OH 44304

Main Library Phone: 330-375-3260   |   Main Library Email: amedlib@summahealth.org   |   Library Fax: 330-379--5034 (new fax #)

 
Hours & Access:

General Hours of Library Staffing:  8:00 AM to 4:30 PM  (no staffing on weekends or holidays)

All Summa employees have access during staffed hours.

After Hours: All physicians, residents, and fellows have 24/7 access via badge proximity reader. All other types of employees may contact the library to request after-hours access.

Badge Access:  Your Summa ID badge is required to enter via the proximity badge reader. Tap your badge to enter. If your badge doesn't work, ring the doorbell and a staff member will let you in. The library is not open to the public. You must have your badge with you and be able to show it to the librarians, even if off-the-clock. 

ONLY current Summa employees with a Summa badge may enter the Library. Former employees, members of the public, and family or friends of employees (including but not limited to spouses, children, and non-affiliated students) may NOT enter the Library. Please do not open the door for non-employees, or allow an unknown person to follow you into the Library.