Reference Point

Doctors' orders Libraries key component to CMU College of Medicine In addition to patrons enjoying the displays, student artists get a fi rsthand glimpse into what it takes to create work that is displayed throughout the library. Sally Rose is a professor of art and design who actively involves and encourages her students to pursue opportunities to display their art in a library exhibit such as "Primary Visions: Foundation Art Students Exhibition." "The library exhibits are extremely important as another learning opportunity to gain knowledge and experience with organizing, installing and formulating an exhibit idea," Rose says. "This experience is closer to what their professional practice will be like. " To learn more about the Libraries' exhibit spaces, visit library.cmich.edu/exhibits. • The University Libraries were among the primary voices in the conversations when Central Michigan University initiated discussions about establishing a medical school. "The university leadership knew right away that the College of Medicine had major implications for the Libraries, Moore, dean of Libraries. " says Tom The electronic, print, personnel and reference resources available through Park Library and Off -Campus Library Services are fundamental to educating future physicians and ensuring accreditation for the CMU College of Medicine, which is expected to enroll its fi rst class of 60 students in summer 2013. In addition to taking classes on the university's Mount Pleasant campus – the CMU College of Medicine's west campus – medical students also will complete their course work and research at locations throughout central and northern Michigan. This includes students studying and completing their clinical work at the CMU College of Medicine's east campus at two locations in Saginaw as well as at affi liated hospitals and medical centers in communities across the region. With its experience assisting students enrolled in CMU's health care-related programs – such as physician assistant, physical therapy and audiology – and the increasing number of students taking classes through CMU Off -Campus and Online Programs, CMU Libraries are prepared to serve the specifi c needs of such students. These are among the qualities and resources that positioned CMU for establishing a medical school, says Dr. Sean Kesterson, the college's associate dean of clinical aff airs and hospital relations. "For many of our students, their library experiences will be virtual, and their access to services will be through the Internet," says Kesterson, who has worked with the library to develop the needed resources. The CMU Health Professions Building will connect to a newly constructed College of Medicine wing. He says much of the college program will develop skills for lifelong self-directed learning and emphasize evidence-based practice, requiring students to ask questions and conduct research using existing materials. "Sometimes when students can't fi nd the answers independently, that's where the library professionals will come in," Kesterson says. "Medical librarians are professionals that a medical school cannot be without. They are the specialists who will help the students fi nd the answers and develop the research skills to become lifelong learners. " The university will hire two new medical librarians to serve the College of Medicine and help the college achieve its goals. Amid a broader national shortage, Michigan projects a statewide need for 6,000 additional physicians by the year 2020. The CMU College of Medicine will train generations of physicians to serve the communities of mid- and northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula with a focus on primary care and general specialties. • 11

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