Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about the Research Medical Library? Please post your questions or comments to our blog. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the Research Medical Library.

1. When will you move?
The Library is scheduled to move May 9-18, 2008.

2. Where is the new library located?
The new library will occupy the entire 21st floor of the Pickens Academic Tower, 1400 Pressler Street. The Library will occupy the entire floor. The Pickens Academic Tower is located just south of the Faculty Center.

3. How big is the new library?
The new library occupies the entire 21st floor of the Pickens Academic Tower, which is 20,105 gross square feet.

4. Will the library’s mailing address change?
Yes, the new mailing address is:
Research Medical Library - Unit 1499
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 301402Houston, TX 77230-1402

5. Will the library’s phone number change?
No, the library’s phone and fax numbers will NOT change. Our phone number is 713-792-2282 and our fax number is 713-563-3650.

6. Will the library’s hours of operation change?
No, the library’s hours of operation will remain the same. They are:
Monday-Thursday 7:30am – 9:00pm
Friday 7:30am – 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday Closed

7. Why do we need a library? Isn’t everything online?
Contrary to popular belief, everything is not online. While nearly 99% of our journals are online, many of the older volumes are only available in print. E-books are only just beginning to gain in popularity, and we still have a sizable working monograph collection that is actively used. Additionally, our archives and special collections holdings, located in the Historical Resources Center (HRC) of the library, are growing as the institution places more emphasis on preserving our history.

Perhaps more importantly, a significant portion of the new library space is designed to facilitate group and collaborative learning, while also featuring individual study spaces, public computer workstations and printers, video conferencing and seminar facilities, and classroom space.

8. What will happen to the old library?
The former library space, located in the Main Building (Y2.6005) will be one of three floors making up the new home of the School of Health Sciences. Most of the library space will be re-purposed for classrooms for the school.

9. How will you move the Library?
A professional mover will relocate the library’s offices, collections, and furnishings. Library staff work closely with the movers to ensure a smooth and well-organized move.

10. Will the library suspend services or close during the move?
In order to relocate all collections, equipment, furniture, and personnel to our new home in the Pickens Academic Tower as quickly and efficiently as possible, the library will close at 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2008. The library will reopen at 7:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2008.

The Historical Resources Center will close at 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2008 and will reopen when the library reopens at 7:30 a.m., Monday, May 19, 2008.

Due to the nature of such a major move, there will be some service disruptions. Please refer to this blog for specific details. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to serving you better in our new location.

11. Will I still have online access to e-journals, e-books, databases, and the library’s webpage?
Yes, all online resources will be available even though the library is closed.

12. My library books are due while the library is closed from May 10-18. What can I do?
You can either return the books or renew them.To return books:The current Research Medical Library book return box (located near the front entrance at Y2.6005) will remain in place until the library reopens on May 19. You may return books at this location, you may return them via inter-office mail to Unit 1499, or you may return them at our new location after we open. We do not charge fines and there will not be a late fee for returning them after the due date.

To renew books:
You may call the library between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. May 12-16 at 713-792-2282 to renew your books. Or you may renew them online yourself by going to the library webpage at http://www.mdanderson.org/library, select the “library catalog” link, then the “my info” link and follow the directions on the page.

13. Will food and drink be allowed in the library?
The food and drink policy will remain the same. Food and drink in covered containers is allowed in the Research Medical Library.

14. Will there be study rooms and meeting space in the new library?
The new library will have 3 enclosed group study rooms. Each will be equipped with a white board and a computer workstation. The rooms can accommodate groups of 4-6 persons. Additional study tables and individual study carrels will be available throughout the library.

15. Will you still have a classroom?
Yes, we will have a computer classroom that facilitates collaborative learning. It is also wired with a hearing loop T-coil compatible system for hearing assistance.

16. Will you have a conference room that clients may use?
Yes, we will have a conference room that is equipped for video-conferencing. It is also wired with a hearing loop T-coil compatible system for hearing assistance.

17. Will you have public computers and printers?
We will actually increase the number of public computers from 34 to 40 in the new library, and printers will continue to be provided. Wireless technology throughout the library will allow users to access resources from their personal laptops. We will also have several tablet armchairs located throughout the floor for laptop use