Before the year 2000, the internet was just about growing.    Physical books, journals and other printed material were the main source of information.  They were a necessity.   And as a result, every GP training practice had a library full of physical books and journals.

But the question is whether one is needed now.  We are 20 years on – the 2020s!   The internet is king!   Everyone looks up things on the net because it is easier, quicker and often more accurate (if you know where to look).   And things can be updated in a matter of minutes rather than 6 months as is the case with printed books!

So, is a practice library needed?

Personally, I don’t think so.  I think it is more important to have readily available computers and printers in a number of places with a good internet connection.    Recently, in my practice, we’ve done a massive trimming down exercise and removed about 80% of books (many of which were written well over 20 years ago).  

There are some books that are worth keeping on the shelves.   These, I have listed on the right.  But for other stuff – it can all be retrieved over the internet. 

In my practice, we had a specific room called the library.   There was a whole two walls full off books and shelves from ceiling to ground.  But even then it was rarely used!  A handful of books were used and the rest were in as good newish condition as the day they were bought when we chucked them out 20 years later.

Now, we no longer have a library.  Instead we have a study room, with several computers and a sofa, flip chart and projector.  And there is a small bookshelf with 3 levels, each of which has only about 5 books and plenty of space to put down that cup of tea.

PS This is my personal opinion and not of any Deanery or HEE GP School.  What are your thoughts?  Leave some comments below.