Users and resources
The Main Library and the Libraries of the Faculty of Pharmacy form the library and information system of the Medical University of Gdańsk, under which they support the construction of a scientific and didactic workshop of a modern researcher, academic teacher and student. It is the largest medical library in the Pomeranian Voivodeship available to anyone interested in medical literature.
Over 9,000 registered users actively use over 440 000 books and printed magazines and 70 online databases providing access to 200 000 e-books and about 27,000 e-magazines. Full information about collections, resources and services can be found on the main library biblioteka.gumed.edu.pl.
Through this website, each user can independently:
- sign up to the Library,
- browse collections and order necessary literature through the electronic catalog,
- obtain remote access to digital resources from home computers,
- take online didactic obligatory classes and train in the field of scientific medical information,
- sign up for various types of training organised by the Library,
- submit a book or magazine for purchase (through special forms),
- order a thematic query and an interlibrary service,
- download required prints,
- obtain necessary information in the field bibliography, bibliometrics, and others.
Moreover, through this website, staff, PhD students and students of the MUG can also:
- obtain remote access to digital resources from home computers,
- take mandatory online didactic classes and train in the field of scientific medical information,
- sign up for various types of training organised by the Library.
In 2010, in recognition of the merits of Polish librarianship, the Main Library was awarded by the Main Board of the Polish Librarians Association with the Medal of Bibliotheca Magna – Perennisque, i.e. the Grand and Eternal Library – the highest distinction given to organisations and institutions operating in the field of librarianship and book dissemination.
Documenting scientific achievements of MUG
The library registers the publishing achievements of the University on an ongoing basis creating an online database which includes publications from 1945. The data contained in the database are the basis for preparing bibliometric analyzes and various evaluations of the University, individuals and individual researchers.
Pomeranian Digital Library
Since 2009 the Main Library has been involved in creating, together with the libraries of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, the Pomeranian Digital Library (PDL). PDL was created as part of a project co-financed in the years 2009-2012 with EU funds. Over 2 000 publications are currently available in the collection of the Medical University of Gdańsk.
Polish Medical Platform
In 2017, the Main Library received a subsidy of 4,329,656.06 PLN for the implementation of the EU project which is being created together with partner libraries of medical universities from Poland (total project value 37,299,411.60 PLN). The aim of the task is to create a platform of the Current Research Information System (CRIS), presenting and promoting scientific achievements and the research potential of all participating units, both jointly and individually.
Activities Promoting Science
The Main Library has twice been the beneficiary of funds granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for the Activity of Popularizing Science. The funds were used for the following tasks:
- extension of catalog information included in the online catalog by retrospective development of collections – co-financing: 91 000 PLN, implementation period: 2016-2017,
- expanding information available in the online catalog by retrospective development of collections – co-financing: 43 010 PLN, implementation period: 2014.
Modernization of the Main Library
From 1968, the headquarters of the Main Library is the building at Dębinki 1 street. After extension and modernization, users can use the Science Zone, part of which is a newly built reading room. Thanks to the new arrangement of existing spaces, it was possible to organize places for work and study, both as an individual and as a group. Visitors to the Main Library have 289 seats at their disposal, including 22 computer stations. In the Science Zone you can find the latest magazines and literature in all Medical fields. Students and employees can use their own computer equipment via wireless networks. There is also a possibility to make a copy of the necessary materials yourself.
Library for the environment
The mission of the Main Library also includes care for the cultural development of students and the entire University environment. For this reason, the Main Library:
- organizes exhibitions,
- joins in the annual celebration of the Library Week,
- participates in the promotion of medical science,
- cooperates with the Zaczytani.org Foundation and organizes a Grand Collection of Books every year, which are then passed on to patients of clinics at the University Clinical Centre,
- organizes book promotions and author meetings,
- issue an occasional bulletin – Librorum Amator.