The Health Sciences Library at the University of Pittsburgh was established in 1898 as part of the Western Pennsylvania Medical College. It was originally located in the college's main building on Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh.
The library was created to support the education and research needs of the medical students and faculty at the Western Pennsylvania Medical College. It was also open to the public, providing access to medical information for healthcare professionals and the general public.
In 1908, the Western Pennsylvania Medical College merged with the University of Pittsburgh, and the library became part of the university's Health Sciences Library System (HSLS). The HSLS is a network of libraries that support the education, research, and clinical activities of the university's six health sciences schools: the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Public Health, and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Over the years, the Health Sciences Library has grown and expanded its services to meet the changing needs of the health sciences community. In 1976, the library moved to its current location in the Falk Library of the Health Sciences building on the university's Oakland campus.
Today, the Health Sciences Library continues to provide access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and other electronic resources, to support the education, research, and clinical activities of the university's health sciences community. It also offers a variety of services, such as reference assistance, instruction, and interlibrary loan, to support the information needs of its users.
1. Medical textbooks and reference books: These include books on various medical specialties such as cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, surgery, etc. They also include reference books on medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology.
2. Nursing books: This collection includes books on nursing theory, practice, and research. It also includes books on specific nursing specialties such as psychiatric nursing, community health nursing, and geriatric nursing.
3. Allied health books: This collection includes books on various allied health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and radiology.
4. Public health books: This collection includes books on public health topics such as epidemiology, health policy, and global health.
5. Health sciences research books: These books cover topics related to research methods, statistics, and evidence-based practice in the health sciences.
6. Consumer health books: This collection includes books on health and wellness for the general public. These books cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.
7. Medical history books: This collection includes books on the history of medicine, medical discoveries, and biographies of famous medical figures.
8. Health sciences journals: The library also has a collection of print and electronic journals covering various topics in the health sciences.
9. Electronic resources: The library provides access to a variety of electronic resources such as databases, e-books, and online journals related to the health sciences.
10. Rare books and special collections: The library also has a collection of rare and special books, manuscripts, and artifacts related to the history of medicine and health sciences.
The Health Sciences Library at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States offers a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for its readers. These materials provide valuable insights into the history of medicine, healthcare, and the health sciences.
One of the most notable collections at the Health Sciences Library is the Rare Book Collection, which contains over 10,000 volumes dating back to the 15th century. This collection includes rare and valuable works on anatomy, surgery, pharmacology, and other medical topics. Some highlights of the collection include Andreas Vesalius' "De Humani Corporis Fabrica" (1543), considered one of the most important works in the history of anatomy, and William Harvey's "Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus" (1628), which revolutionized the understanding of the circulatory system.
The library also has a significant collection of history archives, including the Archives and Special Collections of the Health Sciences Library. This collection contains a wealth of primary source materials, such as letters, diaries, photographs, and other documents, related to the history of medicine and healthcare in Western Pennsylvania. Researchers can find information on topics such as the development of hospitals, medical education, and public health initiatives in the region.
In addition, the library has a collection of manuscripts that includes handwritten medical texts, case reports, and other documents from the 18th and 19th centuries. These manuscripts offer a unique perspective on medical practices and beliefs during this time period.
The Health Sciences Library also has a digital collection of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts, which can be accessed online. This collection includes digitized versions of some of the most valuable and rare items in the library's physical collections, making them more accessible to researchers and students.
Overall, the rare books, history archives, and manuscripts available at the Health Sciences Library provide a valuable resource for those interested in the history of medicine and healthcare. These materials offer a glimpse into the past and help us understand the evolution of medical practices and beliefs.

Services:

1. Access to Online Resources: Subscribers and community members have access to a wide range of online resources such as databases, ebooks, ejournals, and other digital materials related to health sciences.
2. Reference and Research Assistance: The library offers reference and research assistance to help subscribers and community members find relevant information for their research or projects.
3. Interlibrary Loan: The library provides interlibrary loan services, allowing subscribers and community members to request materials from other libraries if they are not available in the library's collection.
4. Document Delivery: The library offers document delivery services, where subscribers and community members can request copies of articles or book chapters from the library's collection.
5. Instruction and Workshops: The library conducts instructional sessions and workshops on various topics related to health sciences, such as literature searching, citation management, and evidencebased practice.
6. Study Spaces and Computers: The library provides study spaces and computers for subscribers and community members to use for research and study purposes.
7. Printing and Scanning Services: Subscribers and community members can use the library's printing and scanning services for a nominal fee.
8. Health Information Services: The library offers health information services to help subscribers and community members find reliable and uptodate health information.
9. Special Collections: The library has a collection of rare and unique materials related to health sciences, which subscribers and community members can access for research purposes.
10. Community Outreach Programs: The library organizes community outreach programs to promote health literacy and provide access to health information to underserved populations.
11. Events and Exhibits: The library hosts events and exhibits related to health sciences, providing opportunities for subscribers and community members to learn about current research and trends in the field.
12. Mobile Library Services: The library offers mobile library services, bringing resources and services to subscribers and community members who are unable to visit the physical library.
13. Health Sciences Archives: The library maintains an archive of historical materials related to health sciences, which subscribers and community members can access for research purposes.
14. Virtual Services: The library offers virtual services such as online chat, email, and virtual reference appointments for subscribers and community members who are unable to visit the physical library.
15. Community Health Resources: The library provides access to community health resources, including information on local health services, support groups, and health education programs.

Things To Do:

1. Health and Wellness Exhibitions: The library often hosts exhibitions related to health and wellness, featuring topics such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and chronic diseases. These exhibitions may include interactive displays, informational posters, and hands-on activities.
2. Book Readings and Author Talks: The library regularly invites authors and health experts to give talks and readings on their latest books and research. These events provide an opportunity for the audience to engage with the author and learn more about their work.
3. Health Education Workshops: The library offers a variety of workshops on health-related topics, such as managing stress, healthy eating, and disease prevention. These workshops are led by health professionals and provide practical tips and strategies for improving one's health.
4. Film Screenings: The library occasionally hosts film screenings related to health and wellness. These screenings may include documentaries, feature films, or educational videos on topics such as mental health, addiction, and healthcare systems.
5. Health Fairs: The library may organize health fairs in collaboration with local healthcare organizations and community partners. These events offer free health screenings, educational materials, and resources for attendees.
6. Art Exhibitions: The library also hosts art exhibitions that focus on health-related themes. These exhibitions may feature artwork created by patients, healthcare professionals, or community members, and aim to raise awareness about health issues through a creative medium.
7. Lecture Series: The library may organize lecture series on various health topics, featuring experts from different fields of healthcare. These lectures provide an in-depth exploration of a specific health issue and allow for audience participation and Q&A sessions.
8. Book Clubs: The library may have book clubs dedicated to health and wellness literature. These clubs provide a space for readers to discuss and analyze books related to health, medicine, and wellness.
9. Health Technology Demonstrations: The library may offer demonstrations of the latest health technology, such as fitness trackers, health apps, and virtual reality tools. These events allow attendees to try out new technology and learn how it can improve their health.
10. Health Information Sessions: The library may offer information sessions on how to access and evaluate reliable health information online. These sessions aim to improve health literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

1. Respect the quiet zones: The library is a place for studying and research, so it's important to respect the designated quiet zones. Avoid talking loudly or making disruptive noises in these areas.
2. Keep your phone on silent: If you need to use your phone in the library, make sure to keep it on silent mode. Loud ringtones or notifications can be distracting to others.
3. Use headphones: If you need to listen to audio or video materials, make sure to use headphones. This will prevent disturbing others who are studying or working.
4. Don't leave your belongings unattended: The library is a public space, so it's important to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. If you need to leave your study area, make sure to take your valuables with you.
5. Respect the library staff: The library staff are there to help you, so make sure to treat them with respect and follow their instructions. They are also responsible for maintaining a peaceful and productive environment for all patrons.
6. Don't eat or drink in designated areas: Many libraries have designated areas for eating and drinking, so make sure to follow these rules. If you do need to have a snack or drink, make sure to clean up after yourself.
7. Use the resources responsibly: The library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases. Make sure to use these resources responsibly and follow copyright laws.
8. Keep the library clean: Help maintain a clean and organized library by disposing of trash properly and returning books and materials to their designated places.
9. Be mindful of others: Remember that the library is a shared space, so be mindful of others around you. Avoid having loud conversations or using strong scents that may bother others.
10. Follow the library's policies: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the library's policies and guidelines, such as borrowing limits, printing and copying rules, and computer usage guidelines. This will help ensure a smooth and productive experience for everyone.

The Health Sciences Library, located in Pittsburgh, United States, offers a variety of subscription plans for its patrons. These plans are designed to cater to the diverse needs of students, faculty, and researchers in the health sciences field. The following are the subscription plans offered by the library:
1. Individual Subscription Plan: This plan is available for students, faculty, and researchers who wish to access the library's resources for personal use. It includes access to online databases, e-books, and journals, as well as borrowing privileges for physical materials.
2. Departmental Subscription Plan: This plan is designed for departments or research groups within the health sciences field. It provides access to the library's resources for multiple users within the department, as well as the option to request materials for purchase.
3. Institutional Subscription Plan: This plan is available for institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. It provides access to the library's resources for all employees and staff members, as well as the option to request materials for purchase.
4. Alumni Subscription Plan: This plan is exclusively for alumni of the health sciences programs at the university. It includes access to online databases, e-books, and journals, as well as borrowing privileges for physical materials.
5. Community Subscription Plan: This plan is designed for members of the local community who are interested in health sciences research and education. It includes access to online databases, e-books, and journals, as well as borrowing privileges for physical materials.
All subscription plans include access to the library's online resources, which include databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library, as well as e-books and journals from top publishers in the health sciences field. The library also offers interlibrary loan services for materials that are not available in its collection.
To learn more about the subscription plans and their pricing, interested individuals or institutions can contact the Health Sciences Library directly or visit their website for more information.

The Health Sciences Library in Pittsburgh, United States is open during the following hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM  9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM  9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM  9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM  9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM  6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM  6:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM  8:00 PM
Please note that these timings may vary during holidays and breaks. It is recommended to check the library's website or call ahead for updated timings.

"Conveniently access the Health Sciences Library in Pittsburgh, US via various public transport options. Choose from bus, train, or light rail services for a hassle-free journey to your destination. Plan your trip using online schedules and maps for a smooth and efficient commute."