Closure of the CPSBC medical library (4)

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 66, No. 6, July August 2024, Page 192 Letters
By: Margo S. Clarke, MD

Thank you, Dr Dunne, for your editorial on the closure of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) medical library.[1] Additionally, I am most grateful to Dr Gillespie for his proposal that Doctors of BC take over the library.[2] This is an excellent idea and provides a hopeful way forward.

Dr Dunne was curious to hear from BCMJ readers regarding what the medical library, or lack thereof, means to us.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the closure—which was announced without warning. I believe it is a step backward and, hence, most unfortunate. The closure will limit articles read and may siphon thought in specified directions rather than enabling a broader perspective. Costs of publication are significant, so the vast majority of articles are not free to access. The additional fee for an article to be freely available on PubMed or other servers requires a premium dollar, so it often requires financial backing. This tiered system can skew what is read. It can delay the introduction of novel findings or concepts. The CPSBC library system enabled all articles to be read by simply contacting the librarian, who would send any desired paper. This is a major asset to getting a clearer picture and speeding up progress.

I realize there are excellent new sources of information that guide clinicians’ decision-making processes and can be quickly read and applied. In the clinical practice setting, this is what is needed. There is very little time for anything else at that critical juncture. However, for unusual and rare disorders and research to advance disease management, access to as many articles as possible is most helpful, and that is where I see a void has been created that will leave BC physicians at yet another disadvantage.

The CPSBC library staff have always provided exemplary service. Hence, Dr Gillespie has highlighted the need for urgent action to preserve the valuable experience of the current library employees.[2] Should Doctors of BC act on Dr Gillespie’s proposal, a vote on maintaining library services may ensue. Maintaining library services is an investment in the future, enabling physician-scientists to not only remain current but also become leaders in their field.
—Margo Clarke, MD
Pender Island

This letter was submitted in response to “The CPSBC closed our medical library” and “Closure of the College Library: A proposal.”

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References

1.     Dunne C. The CPSBC closed our medical library. BCMJ 2024;66:104-105.

2.     Gillespie IA. Closure of the College Library: A proposal. BCMJ 2024;66:106.

Margo S. Clarke, MD. Closure of the CPSBC medical library (4). BCMJ, Vol. 66, No. 6, July, August, 2024, Page(s) 192 - Letters.


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