Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library 50th Anniversary

On October 4, 2021 the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The library opened its doors on September 2, 1971, and was formally dedicated on October 4, 1971.

Exterior of the Eccles Health Sciences Library in the 1970’s.

Explore the history of the Eccles Health Sciences Library in our seven-part digital exhibition series that highlights each decade of the library’s existence as well as the medical libraries on campus prior to 1971.

Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library 50th Anniversary: Past, Present, and Future Book

Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library 50th Anniversary: Past, Present, and Future highlights the history of the medical library at the University of Utah campus. The book begins with the first medical library collection established in 1908, through the construction and dedication of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library in 1971, and the fifty year history since. The book features forewords from previous library directors Wayne J. Peay and Jean P. Shipman and an afterword by current director Catherine B. Soehner.

A limited run of 250 books were printed for the 50th Anniversary and was written, edited, and assembled by Bryan E. Hull, Carmin I. Smoot, and Joan M. Stoddart. A digital copy can be read here.

Anniversary Exhibit Banners at Eccles Library Portrait Gallery

A physical edition of the digital exhibition series is on display in the Portrait Gallery of the Eccles Health Sciences Library. Additional artifacts from the library’s history are on display.

 

This digital exhibition series was developed based off the physical 45th Anniversary Exhibits celebrating the Eccles Library’s 45th Anniversary in 2016 created by Bryan E. Hull, Heidi Greenberg, and Joan Stoddart. Joan wrote a three part history of the library celebrating the 40th Anniversary in 2011 that served as the basis for the content of these exhibits. The 50th Anniversary logo was designed by Peter Strohmeyer.

EHSL Digital Publishing

Digital Publishing Group

The EHSL Digital Publishing Group contribute to research, scholarship, and the common good by collaboratively collecting, organizing, preserving, communicating, and sharing digital objects relevant to the health sciences community and professional healthcare educators worldwide.

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