Special Collections
Rare Books
The Rare Book Room houses the collection of the Worcester Medical Library (established 1798) of the Worcester District Medical Society, as well as volumes purchased or donated since the founding of UMass Chan. It contains books and journals dating from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century. Many of the books in this collection have been digitized and are available online through the Medical Heritage Library.
Using Books from the Rare Book Room
Collection Items:
History of Medicine
This collection of works by modern historians documents the history of medicine and health care from ancient times to the present. The collection was founded in 2006 to support the historical mission of the Office of Medical History and Archives at UMass Chan. The collection also contains biographies and autobiographies of men and women health care professionals.
Collection Items:
Women in Medicine
This collection was founded in 2006 at the suggestion of the UMMS Women's Faculty Committee in support of the professional development of women in medicine and health care. Its creation coincided with the opening at the Lamar Soutter Library of a traveling exhibition titled "Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America's Women Physicians," co-sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and American Library Association.