The group is a support (friends) group for the UAMS Library’s Historical Research Center collection. Its purpose is to enhance the resources of the history collection beyond the Library’s regular resources.
The Associates have sponsored exhibits and lectures, have encouraged contributions of both books and funds, and have undertaken special projects such as the plaque presented to the UAMS Library in honor of early physician donors in 1984, a part of Arkansas Heritage Week. Another special project was the placement of site markers at former locations of the College of Medicine.
Each year a dinner meeting is held in the fall, and a distinguished lecturer presents a topic of historical interest. In 2001, a spring lecture series was begun: Lecture Series on the History of the Medical Sciences.
Specific ways that the group’s funds are used include:
The purchase of rare books, classics, and manuscripts for the Historical Research Center collection.
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The restoration and repair of rare books in the collection which need specialized treatment by a conservator.
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The provision of honoraria for special guests at the Associates’ annual dinner, and at other special lectures sponsored by the Associates.
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Underwriting exhibit fees and/or special projects, (e.g. publications) sponsored by the Associates.
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Payment of appraiser’s fee for items being considered for addition to the collection, when appropriate.
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The purchase of reprints and facsimile editions of classics, which are not otherwise available, in both print and microform formats.
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The purchase of secondary resources needed for the study of the history of medicine, especially those of a reference nature.
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Support the writing of Arkansas medical history by awarding a History of Medicine Associates Research Award of $1,000 each year.