Library/Maker’s Lab

Maker’s Lab, 3D Printing/Scanning and Treadmill Desks Make Hildebrand Medical Library a Fun and Functional Place for Residents, Students, Faculty

By Barbara Anderson, UCSF Fresno Communications

The newly redesigned Hildebrand Medical Library at UCSF Fresno opened to faculty, learners and staff in 2021-2022 and quickly has become a space for study, collaboration, research, creativity and relaxation.

New features include a reconfigured space for computer stations, laptops, treadmill desks, a quiet pod, a modular meeting room, an Innovations Lab, a Maker’s Lab with 3D printer and scanner and a 3D virtual reality station.

The library is proud to showcase “The Future of Medicine in the San Joaquin Valley,” artwork created by Dr. Alfredo Ponce, an internationally known artist and local educator from Fresno County. The artwork, commissioned by UCSF Fresno, represents the UCSF San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (SJV PRIME) medical students. SJV PRIME is a tailored track at the UCSF School of Medicine for medical students who are committed to ensuring high quality, diverse and well distributed medical care to improve health for populations, communities and individuals in the Valley.

The library renovations have transformed the 20-year-old medical library, which was made possible through state funding that supports the SJV PRIME program, as well as a generous donation in 2002 from Dr. and Mrs. Edward Hildebrand. Dr. Hildebrand was a long-time Fresno resident with a passion for medical science and education. In 2021-2022, the library transitioned to an online collection due to a steady decline in book circulation (less than 1%) and the preference of e-books over print. The UCSF Fresno Hildebrand Medical Library will continue to support a limited number of text materials in circulation with a copyright of less than five years. The changes have transformed the library into a place that provides ample space for study and reflection. Inside the main space of the library, four rooms can be reserved as quiet, study rooms and a “quiet pod” in the center of the library is available.

A modular wall around the front desk area of the library provides a quiet space for Sharon McClain, C-IAYT, medical library professional, and Robyn Aguiar, MSLS, medical library professional, to talk with patrons. The front desk area also has space for an archival room that includes a photo scanner and document scanner allowing for the creation and management of an institutional archival system.

At the back of the library, an Innovations Lab provides a room for workshops and hands-on activities. The Innovations Lab includes robotics kits, crochet, knitting, jewelry and beading supplies – and a sewing machine. A 3D printer and 3D scanner are available for patrons to create simulated heart valves or other prosthetics.

The library also has a room with a green screen for video interviews and a podcasting station with podcasting microphone equipment.

The redesigned library has become a place for studying, collaboration and for creative, innovative activities,” said Emy Lopez Phillips, medical director at UCSF Fresno. “And the treadmill desks are getting a workout,” she said.