Recent remodeling in the Medical Heritage Center (MHC) rare book room has increased our ability to preserve, promote, teach and celebrate the rich health care legacy of central Ohio and at The Ohio State University! The Medical Heritage Center installed compact mobile shelving for its rare books collection that will increase it’s rare book storage capacity by approximately 50 percent. This significant enhancement not only allows for better preservation of the collection but also makes it more accessible to researchers, students and the general public. 

The MHC’s rare book collection contains over 25,000 volumes representing limited edition and one-of-a-kind monographs dating back to 1555. These volumes cover a wide range of medical topics and historical periods, providing invaluable insight into the evolution of medical knowledge and practice. In addition to rare books, the MHC holdings also include archives and medical artifacts. Archival collections include the papers and memorabilia from regional and nationally recognized luminaries as well as local health sciences organizations. The artifacts within the MHC’s collection represent medical equipment used as early as the 1800s and range from those now perceived as quackery to those that were truly innovations of their time. 

This project also upheld Ohio State’s sustainability values, as the shelving was repurposed and modified from the Health Sciences Library’s remote depository on Ackerman Road after it was moved to the University Libraries Book Depository on Kenny Road. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces waste but also leverages existing resources to enhance our facilities. Additional shelving will also be added to the 1^st Floor Public Services area of the library to increase storage for reserved and circulating collections as well as medical educational models. This ensures that both rare and commonly used materials are stored efficiently, promoting greater ease of access for all library users. 

Financial support for this renovation was provided, in part, by the William G. Myers, MD, PhD, Endowment Fund. The generosity of donors like the Myers family is crucial in enabling the MHC to continue its mission of preserving and promoting the history of health care. With the increased capacity, the staff of the MHC looks forward to having growth space to acquire additional volumes in the future. All rare books are cataloged and searchable through The Ohio State University Library Catalog.

The increased capacity, enhanced accessibility and eco-friendly approach reflect our commitment to serving the needs of the academic community and the public. We invite you to explore our collections and take advantage of the resources available at the MHC. If you are interested in a tour of the refreshed space to see the rare books collection as well as the archives and artifacts collections, please contact Kristin Rodgers at Kristin.rodgers@osumc.edu. Tours are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the remarkable items housed in the MHC and to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the health sciences. Visitors can expect to see a wide array of materials, from historical texts to modern medical devices, each with their own unique story to tell!