Because specialized research relies on rapid access to the latest scientific knowledge being conducted around the world, librarians will work as partners in supporting the research enterprise of the campus. Further, the expertise of the library staff and the wealth of information resources in the new library will expand state and regional demand for access to library services. The library will foster research activity and economic development over a large geographic area. Recent advances in health care have created a new discipline that marries medicine with computer science. This new field, called health informatics, allows health providers to tap the incredible power of computing to study and solve health problems.
Informatics reaches across all the health professions.
Because this emerging discipline requires fast response from computers and telecommunication networks, the campus will house a new multi-disciplinary informatics center in the library, which will serve as one of three main digital hubs for the exchange of electronic information. In addition, the library staff creates linkages to thousands of databases and journals available via the World Wide Web. The servers and network connections in the new library will provide an organized gateway to knowledge wherever it exists. The library has become the home for student email instruction and support. Multimedia teaching graphics and real-time video enhance the learning process and assist students in mastering clinical techniques.