SWIMS Library Catalogue
What is the SWIMS Library Catalogue?
SWIMS is a library catalogue that is shared by all NHS libraries across the South and West of England.
The SWIMS Library Catalogue enables you to search for books and other items held at your local NHS library, see items held by other NHS libraries in the region, and to view and renew your loans online.
For more information, explore the Frequently Asked Questions below:
How do I access the SWIMS Library Catalogue?
The SWIMS Library Catalogue is available to access online from anywhere. Go to: https://swims.koha.openfifth.net/
To request books or to create an account, you will need to join the Library
How can the SWIMS Library Catalogue help me?
You can:
- search for books and journals held at the Royal Devon and other NHS libraries
- view a list of books borrowed*
- renew your books*
- create reading lists*
- request books*
*requires you to be registered with the Library
How do I create a SWIMS Library account?
To join the library, please click the below link. This will take you to a self-registration form on the SWIMS library catalogue:
Access the Library Catalogue Self Registration form
You will receive a confirmation email upon registration, followed by a welcome email once your account has been verified by library staff - please check your email junk folder if you cannot see these.
How do I search the SWIMS Library Catalogue?
Visit the SWIMS Library Catalogue
Enter your search term into the search box and click the search button. You can search by keyword, as well as by title or author.
Use the drop down options by clicking the down arrows to filter the search field as well as material type or library location.
To access the Advanced Search, visit: https://swims.koha.openfifth.net/cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl
How do I reserve a book on the SWIMS Library catalogue?
- Visit the SWIMS Library Catalogue at: https://swims.koha.openfifth.net/
- Click on the link in the top righthand corner that says Log In To Your Account
- Enter your username and password to log in.
- Search for your required item using the search box, typing in keywords, author or title.
- Once you have located the book you would like to reserve click Place Reservation
- Check your pickup location - your home library is listed by default - and click Confirm Reservation
- You will receive notification by email when your book is available to collect.
Having problems with logging-in to your account?
If you are a registered library member and do not know your password, please use the forgotten password functionality to create or reset it.
Your username is in the format: firstname.surname
Please note that if more than one person is registered with the same name, your username will include a number after your surname (for example: firstname.surname1).
How do I renew my book loans on the SWIMS Library Catalogue?
Auto-Renewal: Where possible, books will be auto-renewed up to 3 times, with each standard loan period being 28 days.
However, if you would like to check or manually renew your loans, please see the instructions below:
- Visit the SWIMS Library Catalogue at: https://swims.koha.openfifth.net/
- Click on the link in the top righthand corner that says Log In To Your Account
- Enter your username and password to log in.
- You will see a screen called Your Summary displaying any books on loan to you.
- Click the Renewal All button to renew all your loans, or select individual loans with the check-boxes and click Renew Selected
Having problems with logging-in to your account?
If you are a registered library member and do not know your password, please use the forgotten password functionality to create or reset it.
Your username is in the format: firstname.surname
Please note that if more than one person is registered with the same name, your username will include a number after your surname (for example: firstname.surname1).