The University of Zambia Medical Library was opened in 1969, just after the School of Medicine was established, to support the school’s mandate to train doctors and address the country’s critical shortage of health professionals. The Medical Library initially focused on providing access to information in foundational medical education and clinical practice, but later expanded its role to serve new programs. The library is now a critical information resource for four schools, including the School of Medicine, Health Sciences, Public Health and Nursing Sciences, and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) boasting of 40, 000 printed volumes and high-quality electronic resources. Its mandate is to advance learning, research, clinical practice, and community health by providing equitable access to information, digital technologies, and services aligned to the interdisciplinary needs of the four schools. The library promotes teaching and learning by organising specialized health-related information, promoting information literacy, and collaborating with faculty, students, researchers, and healthcare professionals to address Zambia’s evolving health challenges. It is anchored on the principles of inclusivity, academic excellence, and innovation aimed at empowering users to transform evidence into practice, and contribute to the health knowledge base of the nation.
Mission
To advance learning, research, clinical practice, and innovation by providing equitable access to information resources and digital technologies for the four schools at Ridgeway campus, UTH, and the community at large.
Staffing Levels
The Medical Library currently has four members of staff who include the following:
- Mr. Silumesi Kabilwa - Acting Head Librarian
- Mrs. Doreen Chikaya - Assistant Librarian
- Mrs. Hope Lupeta - Assistant Librarian
- Mr. Lennox Handila- Acting Senior Library Assistant
There is a need for at least two staff members, preferably one senior library assistant and one academic librarian.
Future Outlook
Help accelerate digital transformation through adoption of digital tools and platforms to streamline library operations and accessibility by users.
Strengthen community engagement through regular updates and interactive sessions with students, faculty, and staff.
Incorporate sustainability practices in the Medical Library operations, such as energy-efficient lighting, and promoting digital resources.