When you first walk into the Health Sciences Library, you're struck by its modern design and the abundance of space and light.

The library is a bright and welcoming facility, thanks in part to the original plan by the architectural firm of Craig, Zeidler & Strong – the same firm that designed the Toronto Eaton Centre – who first designed their plan for the library some thirty years ago.

The first Health Sciences Library at McMaster was a far cry from the facility that exists today. Beatrix Robinow, Health Sciences first librarian, was appointed in October 1966 to work from a small area in the embryonic medical school quarters in Gilmour Hall. The library offices later moved to a small room on the third floor of Gilmour Hall , formerly occupied by the School of Music.

The previous tenants left behind a few bookshelves, which Robinow welcomed, as well as a piano. For the next five years, the small staff worked to plan both the physical space and the collection for the new library.

Although the McMaster University Medical Centre did not officially open until May 27, 1972, several health sciences faculty were appointed in the five year period before the building was complete. Many brought with them ongoing research projects and an immediate demand for library resources. As a result, homes were found for the newly acquired library materials so as to make them available to the McMaster community.

By August 1971, 30,000 volumes were scattered across 7 different areas in 5 different buildings, including Gilmour Hall, McKay Hall, Convocation Hall, Mills Memorial Library and the science library in the School of Nursing. Several of the hospital libraries throughout the city also helped store the collection.

Finally, moving day arrived and all the books and journals were gathered and delivered to the library in the new Medical Centre at McMaster. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the shelving; it arrived 5 months later.

Until early 1972, the entire library collection was arranged in order in neatly aligned rows on the floor of the lower level. Library users were prevented from retrieving their own materials, as the entire lower level of the library was roped off. Staff members were employed to go and find volumes and return them at the request of the students and faculty using the collection.

Since the building opened in 1972, the library collection, then at 30,000 volumes, has grown to include over 158,000 volumes, 2000 multimedia items, and 2200 journals. Many of the newer items only exist in cyberspace. At last count, over 1700 of these titles are online. Nearly all of the printed journal indexes have been replaced by their electronic counterparts.

Similarly, the library catalogue has also undergone significant changes. The original 3-by-5 inch index cards were replaced by the microfiche catalogue in 1980, only to be replaced again by the online version (MORRIS) in 1990.

As with the library collection, the nature of the library staff has changed significantly over the years. Since 1966, the library staff has grown from a single librarian to 7 librarians and 23 support staff.

Although the library has undergone several changes to incorporate computers, additional photocopiers, new staff, and more students, the fundamental principles of the original design by Craig, Zeidler & Strong are still in place.

From a small space in Gilmour Hall with a few tables and chairs, the Health Sciences Library has metamorphosized into a vibrant facility that can seat more than 600 users and continues to be a well-used resource for those who come to conduct research, study and learn.

For more information about the history of the Health Sciences Library and a brief glimpse into the past, visit the display located at the information desk in the library from May 15th – June 30th.

PHOTO: The Health Sciences Library circa winter 1972-3.