Library and Technology Services

MCPHS Henrietta DeBenedictis Library»

The Boston library occupies the entire second floor of the sleek new Matricaria Academic and Student Center. On one side its large glass walls provide abundant natural light and a view of Longwood Avenue. The library’s entrance is located on a dramatic bridge overlooking the new atrium. The modern furnishings and contemporary feel reflect a new age in libraries where books and periodicals have equal footing with electronic texts and computers.

The study areas feature soft comfortable seats with swing out arms as well as traditional library carrels for quiet, individual work. In addition there are five sound proof group study rooms complete with white boards. These rooms serve as meeting spots for work on group projects, informal groups and tutoring sessions. The library also houses the main print collections (journals, reserve, reference and circulating books) for the College.

The library houses general computers for research, web searching and word processing; audiovisual and photocopy equipment. Library users have access to a research-level collection of reference books and databases in drug information and clinical medicine. The Library provides a diverse package of services including interlibrary loan, document delivery, and reference assistance.

• The Library is a health sciences information center that maintains a collection of over 30,000 volumes and an archives collection documenting the history of the College. Approximately 700 serials subscriptions are received annually. In addition to print materials, a growing collection of audiovisual and electronic materials is available to enhance study and research, including 190 electronic books, 650 electronic journals, and over 60 databases. Individual and consortia arrangements provide access to more than 12,000 additional full-text electronic journals.
• Access to information for faculty and students is enhanced due to the Library’s membership in the Fenway Library Consortium (FLC), a group of fifteen libraries that makes its resources available to its members. In addition, nine FLC institutions, including MCPHS, are also members of Fenway Libraries Online, Inc. (FLO). FLO supports an online public catalog of over 900,000 materials held by member institutions as well as a number of shared electronic databases.

Computer Facilities

A number of computer laboratories and classrooms are available to students, staff and faculty. The laboratories contain personal computers and peripheral equipment for individual computing use. The campus is equipped with wireless technology for convenient accessibility to the Internet and e-mail. Additionally, computer kiosks are located throughout common areas.

Online Learning

Many courses offered at the College are supplemented and enhanced by using the latest technologies. Through collaboration with Blackboard , a leading producer of courseware platforms, and our own Instructional Design Services, most courses are supported with an online component that allows students to review lecture notes and assignments, view PowerPoint slides and web pages, and participate in electronic discussion groups. Online courses can be accessed from off-campus using an Internet connection or from the on-campus computer laboratories.

Distance Education

Currently, MCPHS offers distance education in the Non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree-completion program. Distance education allows students to complete some coursework off-campus. Using the latest concepts in instructional design, software and computer technology, faculty and students maintain a high level of interaction.