Our Libraries

History and Formation

MCHS Libraries were established with the mission to support the academic and research needs of students and faculty across all campuses. The libraries have grown over the years, evolving from small collections to comprehensive resources that cater to diverse disciplines.

The earliest library collection began in 1976 with a single room housing a few hundred donated medical textbooks. As the college expanded its programmes to include nursing, pharmacy, and laboratory sciences, the demand for specialised information grew rapidly. By the early 1990s, each campus had its own dedicated reading space, staffed by trained librarians who curated subject‑specific materials.

A major milestone came in 2005 when the Main Campus Library in Blantyre moved into a purpose‑built facility, enabling the introduction of computer workstations and the first digital catalogue. This shift laid the groundwork for the modern library system we see today. The launch of the library’s OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) in 2010 revolutionised access, allowing students and faculty to search the entire collection from any device.

Over the past decade, MCHS Libraries have embraced digital transformation. Subscriptions to leading medical databases such as HINARI, PubMed, and Cochrane Library have been secured, and the Lippincott e‑book collection was added in 2018. Today, the library network serves over 5,000 students across three campuses – Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Zomba – providing a blend of physical and virtual resources that empower the next generation of health professionals.

Looking forward, the libraries continue to innovate, with plans to expand remote access, introduce 24/7 digital study spaces, and deepen partnerships with international health organisations to keep our collections relevant and world‑class.