The rise of the digital age, has created a debate about the need for libraries. Are students utilizing libraries like they used to? What role does a library have in modern medical education?
In the UK medical students may have access to their University library a National Health Service (NHS) Trust library or both. The main function of these libraries is to provide resources and support to students and healthcare professionals in their day-to-day work.
The libraries play a crucial role in ensuring access to the latest research, evidence-based practice, and information resources. In this article, we will explore the role of libraries, the services they offer, and their importance in the delivery of high-quality healthcare.
Services Provided by Medical Libraries
The services provided by libraries can vary depending on the needs of the healthcare professionals they serve. The University of Cambridge Medical Library welcomes staff and students of the University of Cambridge as well as NHS staff working at the local hospitals and within the wider East of England region.
Some of the key services the Medical Library offers include:
- Access to information resources
- Literature searching
- Training and development
Further information about these services can be found below.
Access to information services:
Access to a wide range of information resources is the core service provided by libraries. These may include books, journals, databases, and other digital resources such as e-books. By providing access to these resources, libraries provide students with materials to learn and engrain the theory aspect of the curriculum as well as allowing healthcare professionals to revisit or learn, new or revised medical practices.
Library resources should be accurate, up to date and as inclusive as possible. The literature should include a range of ethnicities to ensure symptomatic presentations for a diverse range of ethnicities and cultures. The medical library actively reviews it’s texts and ensures texts available are up to date and inclusive.
The movements towards online reading such as access to e-books has required the library to adapt their services; having online resources is crucial for students on placement or when there are no physical copies available. Although physical copies of books are still an important feature for students. Having the ability to ‘flip’ through a book is still a resource that is frequently used.
Not only do medical libraries provide information to people working or training within the medical profession, they also offer a source of reliable information for the general public, patients, families and carers.
Literature Searching
Libraries can also provide support for literature searching; helping students to identify relevant research and evidence to support their practice. This may involve helping to formulate search strategies, advising on which databases to use, and providing assistance in accessing the full text of articles. This is crucial for students writing research projects or dissertations.
The University of Cambridge Medical Library also offers courses on systematic reviews; this allows students to explore current research and exposing them to the most relevant and specific information. This is beneficial to the skillset required for sourcing information in the future where they may rely on different resources like journals.
Training and Development
The University of Cambridge Medical Library also provide training and development opportunities including workshops and webinars on a range of topics. These may include information literacy skills, critical appraisal, research methods, as well as more practical skills such as writing for publication and using reference management software.
Many of the medical librarians have teaching qualifications in addition to their librarian qualifications meaning they teach these essential skills to the students as part of their medical education. A variety of courses are taught throughout the year allowing students the opportunity to gain further skills and prepare for careers as doctors.
Conclusion
Is there a role for libraries in medical education? The answer is yes, a vital role in providing access to a wide range of information resources and other support services, that contributes to the University of Cambridge medical students education.
Libraries provide a space on-site for students to study, obtain essential recourses as well as training and advice throughout their studies and beyond. The library skills medical students gain will enable the students to be critical thinkers of the future and access the most up to date research ensuring the medical provision is of the highest standard.
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