The Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, commonly referred to as the Cushing Library, is a premier medical library located at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The library is named after Harvey Cushing, a renowned neurosurgeon and Yale alumnus, and Eli Whitney, a prominent American inventor and entrepreneur. The Cushing Library is situated within the Yale School of Medicine and serves as a central hub for medical education, research, and clinical practice.
History and Architecture
The Cushing Library was established in 1941, with a generous donation from Harvey Cushing’s family. The library’s original building was designed by the architectural firm of Delano and Aldrich, and it featured a stunning reading room with a high ceiling, large windows, and ornate wood paneling. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new wing in 1990, which increased the library’s space by 50%. The library’s current design combines modern amenities with historic charm, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for students, faculty, and researchers.
Collections and Resources
The Cushing Library is home to an extensive collection of medical literature, including over 300,000 volumes, 3,000 journals, and numerous digital resources. The library’s holdings span a wide range of medical disciplines, from anatomy and biochemistry to psychiatry and public health. The library also maintains a significant collection of rare and historical medical texts, including works by prominent physicians and scientists such as Galen, Vesalius, and Harvey. In addition to its print and digital collections, the library provides access to a variety of online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as specialized resources such as the Cochrane Library and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) databases.
| Collection Category | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Print Volumes | 300,000+ |
| Journals | 3,000+ |
| Digital Resources | 10,000+ |
| Rare and Historical Texts | 5,000+ |
Services and Support
The Cushing Library offers a range of services and support to facilitate research, education, and clinical practice. The library’s expert staff provide research assistance, instruction, and consultation services, as well as support for literature searches, systematic reviews, and grant writing. The library also offers a variety of study spaces, including quiet rooms, group study areas, and a 24⁄7 study lounge. Additionally, the library provides access to state-of-the-art technology, including computers, printers, and scanners, as well as specialized equipment such as 3D printers and virtual reality headsets.
Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery
The Cushing Library participates in a number of interlibrary loan and document delivery services, including the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the Yale University Library’s own document delivery system. These services enable library users to request materials from other libraries and institutions, both within the United States and internationally. The library also offers a document delivery service, which provides rapid access to articles, book chapters, and other materials not available in the library’s collections.
- Interlibrary Loan: 10,000+ requests per year
- Document Delivery: 5,000+ requests per year
- Partnerships: 100+ libraries and institutions worldwide
Future Directions
As the medical landscape continues to evolve, the Cushing Library is poised to play an increasingly important role in supporting research, education, and clinical practice at Yale University. The library is committed to staying at the forefront of medical librarianship, embracing new technologies and innovations to enhance its collections, services, and support. Some potential future directions for the library include the development of new digital collections and resources, the expansion of its interlibrary loan and document delivery services, and the creation of new study spaces and collaboration areas.
What are the Cushing Library’s hours of operation?
+The Cushing Library is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The library is closed on major holidays and during winter and summer breaks.
How do I access the Cushing Library’s digital resources?
+The Cushing Library’s digital resources are available to Yale University students, faculty, and staff with a valid Yale ID and password. Users can access these resources through the library’s website, using the Yale University Library’s online catalog and databases.
