10,000 and counting!

The Library at SCNM

January 26, 2006
Patricia Bannon

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) has an exceptional library, which has grown to become one of the best research information resources of its kind in the Southwest. Under the direction of Dr. Bryan Stansfield, with support from Assistant Robert Wilbanks and Technician Cynthia Porter, the library now has more than 10,000 bibliographically cataloged books, videos, audio cassettes, journals and other publications for use by students studying to become naturopathic physicians. Of note is the current journal and magazine section. There are rows of nicely stylized racks displayed with many of today’s most interesting and pertinent publications focused on healthcare and business. Recent past issues are ingeniously hidden under each rack and easily obtainable. Thorne Research graciously donated this modern, sleek rack system and continues to be a great sponsor of the library!

The library has extensive work and study areas for students with numerous resources at their disposal, including computer workstations, printers and copy machines. All computers are equipped with state-of-the-art software applications and Internet access.

The SCNM library has developed relationships with other colleges and institutions for article and information exchange, including the University of Arizona, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Bastyr and others. The “Doc-Line” system allows students access to all medical libraries in the United States and is another great research and information resource for students attending the Medical College. In addition, the library has affiliations with a number of professional library associations and networking organizations, including the American Library Association; Medical Library Association; National Network of Libraries of Medicine (part of the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland); Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona; Central Arizona Biomedical Libraries; and Area Reference Librarians Association. These memberships enable the SCNM library to be kept informed about library and medical library issues through journals, newsletters and other publications as well as provides the staff with extensive networking capabilities to help in research and obtaining resources for students and faculty.

As part of a progressive yet community-minded Medical College, the SCNM library is open to the general public in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. For only $20 per year, an individual can come to the library to read, study or use the available resources! The library is open from Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM and on Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Due to student activities, these hours may occasionally change, so check availability by calling 480-222-9247.

The library has received some outstanding book collections from prominent physicians. Most recently and noteworthy, has been the donation of the Theron G. Randolph Collection. Dr. Theron, MD, is known in the medical community as the “Father of Clinical Ecology”. Dr. Randolph, U.S. born, (1906-1995) was a pioneering allergist who founded the field of environmental medicine and characterized environmental illness as one that included such symptoms as chronic headache, fatigue, and mental depression.

Donations, whether monetary, books or other resource materials, are always welcome and appreciated by SCNM. You can send a monetary donation through the “giving” section on the SCNM website at http://www.scnm.edu/giving/index.htm. If you click on “Secure on-line donations” you can direct your donation to the Library Expansion by choosing same on the drop-down under “How would you like your payment applied?”

If you are interested in potentially donating books or other resources, please contact the SCNM library at 480-222-9247.

For more information on the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine’s Library, visit our website at http://www.scnm.edu/students/library.php.

The library continues to grow in quality and content, providing medical students, faculty and physicians with the resources, educational and informational tools they need to foster their continuing success at SCNM and beyond!
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