Have you ever walked into a library and felt the weight of knowledge settle upon your shoulders? At the Biblioteca UAM Medicina, that weight is palpable. This isn’t just any library. This is a sanctuary of medical history, nestled within the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid’s medical school. Biblioteca UAM Medicina first opened its doors in the 1969-70 academic year. It was the very first building on campus dedicated solely to the pursuit of knowledge through the written word. The library holds a unique distinction: it was the first building at the university used exclusively as a library.
The Biblioteca UAM Medicina isn’t just a repository of books. It’s a vital organ of the university, pumping a constant stream of information to students, researchers, and faculty. Its mission is to fuel the minds that will shape the future of medicine. Imagine the countless hours spent within these walls, poring over textbooks, journals, and research papers. The library houses a collection of almost 50,000 books and subscribes to over 600 paper magazines. Think of the weight of all that knowledge, contained within these very walls. But the Biblioteca UAM Medicina doesn’t limit itself to the tangible. It embraces the digital age, offering access to over 4,000 full-text electronic journals and around 400 interdisciplinary databases. This includes giants like PubMed, Cochrane, Cuiden, NNN Consult, CINHAL, UNITECA, and JOVE. It’s a gateway to a world of medical information, readily available at your fingertips.
The physical space of Biblioteca UAM Medicina is designed with the student in mind. A study room offers 404 reading posts for quiet contemplation. A CRAI classroom provides a space for training and self-learning. Three group study rooms encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas. For those needing quick access to information, seven consultation terminals are available. There’s even a dedicated terminal for thesis consultation. The library also caters to those with functional diversity, providing an adapted workstation. And for those needing a little extra help, the library offers laptops, computer mice, scientific calculators, and even music stands for a more comfortable study experience. Biblioteca UAM Medicina goes above and beyond, recognizing that learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The library also participates in the Intercampus Loan program, enabling users to borrow books from other Cantoblanco libraries within 24 hours. The Interlibrary Loan service broadens the scope even further, allowing access to materials not available at the UAM. For personalized assistance, appointments with librarians are available, particularly beneficial for those engaged in research. The library even provides training courses, equipping users with the skills to navigate the vast ocean of medical information.
Biblioteca UAM Medicina is more than just a library. It’s a testament to the power of knowledge, a hub of learning, and a vital resource for the medical community. It’s a place where the past informs the present, and the present shapes the future of medicine.