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Becoming Blaisdell Medical Library

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  2. Visit & Study
  3. Exhibits
  4. Blaisdell Medical Library 20th Anniversary
  5. Becoming Blaisdell Medical Library

Expanding with the UC Davis Health Campus

The completion of the Education Building and Blaisdell Medical Library in 2006 ushered in a new era for the Medical Center Library and UCDMC. The new building was designed to address the space issues that had plagued the library since its inception in 1976. The building also ensured adequate space for a collection that met the needs of a health center, increased seating for users, met increased demand for educational services, and added enough space for staff to perform their duties.

Dean Tupper with hard hat at construction site
Founding Dean C. John Tupper with hard hat at construction site.
(UC Davis Health Public Affairs and Marketing Records, AR-224, UC Davis Library Archives and Special Collections)
Dean Tupper (center), Chancellor Meyer, and an unidentified person, standing next to a dedication plaque of the Professional Building at the UCDMC in Sacramento
Dean Tupper (center), Chancellor Meyer, and an unidentified person, standing next to a dedication plaque for the Professional Building at the UCDMC in Sacramento.
(UC Davis Health Public Affairs and Marketing Records, AR-224, UC Davis Library Archives and Special Collections)

Completion and Dedication

In 2006, the medical center library was dedicated as the F. William Blaisdell, M.D. Medical Library after professor emeritus and renowned trauma surgeon Dr. F. William Blaisdell. The completion of the education building also meant that medical students were no longer split between the UC Davis campus and the Sacramento campus. Historically, first- and second-year medical students were based on the Davis campus, while third- and fourth-year students were based on the Sacramento campus. This change meant BML would take on a more central role in providing services and become a hub for learning and teaching.

The new construction provided BML with a 15,000-square-foot facility, enough space to house reading areas, group study rooms, and traditional library stacks. The state-of-the-art library also features a media center for advanced graphics applications and consultation rooms designed to facilitate collaborative learning and research with colleagues at remote sites.

Front entrance of F. William Blaisdell Medical Library
F. William Blaisdell Medical Library

From its 1976 origins to the opening of its current facility in 2006, UC Davis’ medical library experienced three decades of expansion alongside growing clinical and educational demands.

Today, 20 years after Blaisdell Medical Library opened its doors, the library’s dedicated study spaces, technology and remote research capabilities continue to meet the information needs of healthcare professionals and students as they provide patient care, teach and learn, and conduct clinical research.

UC Davis Medical Center
UC Davis Medical Center. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Health, Public Affairs and Marketing.

Past and Present Leadership of the Medical Library

  • Molly Reeves: 1970-1974 – Medical Center Library
  • Linda Grix: 1974-79 – Medical Center Library
  • Terri Malmgren: 1979-2009 – Medical Center Library and BML
  • Rebecca Davis: 2009-2014 – BML
  • Marcus Banks: 2015-2016 – BML
  • Nicole Capdarest-Arest: 2018-2023 – BML
  • Lynn Kysh: 2024-present – BML
Introduction Librarian Perspectives

Exhibit: Blaisdell Medical Library 20th Anniversary

Introduction Becoming Blaisdell Medical Library Librarian Perspectives

Exhibit Location

The exhibit is on display both at Blaisdell Medical Library in Sacramento and at Shields Library in Davis (see map below).

Shields Library first floor map with star left of staircase
Exhibit from
To learn more about the history of the Blaisdell Medical Library, visit the exhibit located on the first floor of Shields Library. For Health Campus affiliates, there is a companion exhibit available in the Blaisdell Medical Library (badge access required for entry).

Learn more about Dr. Blaisdell on his Wikipedia page, curated by BML staff.