2019 -2020 Annual Report
About the Health Sciences Library System:
The Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) supports the University of Pittsburgh’s Schools of the Health Sciences (Dental Medicine, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Public Health), along with the university-wide health sciences community. The HSLS website serves as the primary gateway to our services and resources.
Research and Instruction
HSLS supports instruction, research and clinical care in the health sciences for University of Pittsburgh faculty, students, and staff, and UPMC residents and fellows. Faculty librarians offer assistance throughout the research process. Classes on evidence-based searching, scholarly communication and research impact, citation management, instructional and visual design, and special topics are offered regularly and customized for courses and groups. Research and instructional services are also provided by the specialized teams of Data Services and Molecular Biology Information Services.
Resources
HSLS provides a wide range of resources and services such as books, journals, databases, e-resources and collections, information access points, customer service and technical support, internal and external metadata creation, multimodal technology development, and document delivery services.
Programs and Activities
HSLS offers many programs and activities such as study break events, the Leisure Reading Collection, traveling exhibits, displays, and virtual reality technology. These programs and activities help to enhance the overall student experience and contribute to learning efforts.
COVID- 19 Response
In order to protect our community at the University, HSLS started operating under a modified status in March 2020 due to the national COVID-19 pandemic. During these unprecedented times, HSLS was able to pivot and offer many resources and services online, while still being available for consultations and instruction remotely.
West Wing Construction
As part of the Scaife Hall West Wing construction project, Falk Library is embarking on an exciting renovation project. Highlights of the new space will include updated and expanded learning and study spaces, integrated technology areas, modular seating, and a new entrance on Lothrop Street, convenient for all health sciences students.
Programs Funded by the National Library of Medicine
HSLS received nearly $3 million in awarded grants from the National Library of Medicine to support the Regional Medical Library of the Middle Atlantic Region, the NNLM Web Services Office, and the Training and Education Center of the All of Us Research Program. Through these programs, we serve the broader community and engage with a variety of health information stakeholders both regionally and nationally.
