NEWS A restructuring of the Medical Library at the University Hospital of Umeå (NUS) is now underway. The focus going forward is to develop study areas in collaboration between Umeå University, Region Västerbotten and the Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union. Course literature for healthcare programmes will continue to be available in connection with the study areas, while certain library services will be moved to the Umeå University Library on campus.
Students will continue to have access to course literature and study places at NUS. The aim is to develop these areas and make them even better. Photo: Mattias Pettersson
The background to the redesign is changing needs, the changing landscape of scientific literature through digitisation, and reduced use of physical library services at the Medical Library.
“High-quality study spaces are important for students and educational activities. Together with Region Västerbotten, the university wants to preserve and develop the study environment going forward. The medical library needs to be restructured because its use and needs have changed over time. Improved digital services have reduced the need for physical library services,” says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University.
The Medical Library was previously a department within the Umeå University Library and is physically located at University Hospital of Umeå (NUS). It has been jointly funded with Region Västerbotten since its inception in 2002. The Medical Library is primarily aimed at students and staff at the Faculty of Medicine and Region Västerbotten, but is also open to patients and the general public.
“I would like to emphasise that Region Västerbotten, like the university, aims to preserve and develop the valued study places for students at NUS in the future. Everyone is aware that this is a very important resource, not least for students undergoing clinical training. I am convinced that together we will find solutions that satisfy all parties,” says Tommy Svensson, Regional Director at Region Västerbotten.
The decision is based on a thorough investigation of the Medical Library, which was carried out on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor by a working group linked to the Umeå University Library, which included Region Västerbotten and the Umeå Medical Student Union, and was led by Malin Josefsson, department head at the Medical Library.
The change may naturally raise questions among visitors to the Medical Library, so here are the answers to some frequently asked questions that may arise:
Is the Medical Library being closed down?
Not as a place of study, but the operations are being restructured and most physical library services will be moved to the University Library on campus. However, course literature such as reference literature and study areas will remain and be developed.
Why is this change being made?
Digitisation and changing needs have reduced the use of physical library services. At the same time, there is a strong need for good study spaces close to clinical activities.
What will happen to the course literature?
Course literature for healthcare programmes will continue to be available at NUS as reference literature, curated by the Umeå University Library, but the option to borrow books will be moved to the University Library.
Will there be staff on site?
The Umeå University Library staff will no longer be responsible for the premises and will therefore not be on site as before, but librarians will continue to curate the remaining reference literature. The work of reviewing what form of staffing can ensure and develop a safe and appropriate study environment in the future is being carried out in collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine, Region Västerbotten and the student union.
When will the change take place?
The restructuring will be implemented in 2026.
How will students be affected?
Students will continue to have access to course literature and study places at NUS. The aim is to develop these areas and make them even better.