Turning the Page: Bernadette's 34 Years of Dedication to the Library

24 March 2025

After 34 years as Velindre's librarian, Bernadette Coles is finally ending her chapter as she begins a new adventure in retirement.

In 1991, Bernadette arrived at the library for what was supposed to be a two-year placement. Little did she know, she would spend the next 34 years transforming not just the library, but the way information was accessed and used in the hospital. Now, as she retires, we reflect on the incredible journey she has taken and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

A Library Transformed

When Bernadette first took on the role, the library was a very different place. There were no computers, no catalog system, and no easy way for staff to find the information they needed. In fact, the most valuable books were locked away in an office, accessible only to doctors. Determined to change this outdated system, Bernadette led a quiet revolution. She opened the library’s doors to all staff, moved essential resources into public view, introduced a proper catalog, and even managed to get a photocopier on-site—eliminating the need to push books on a trolley to another building just to make copies. These small but significant changes set the tone for what would become a career of innovation.

Embracing the Digital Age

Throughout the decades, Bernadette continuously adapted to new technologies, ensuring that the library remained at the forefront of information management. She oversaw the transition from physical card catalogs to digital systems, helping staff navigate the shift to online databases and electronic journals. When the internet became a staple of medical research, she was instrumental in training hospital staff to find, evaluate, and use online resources effectively.

Her proactive approach meant that the library was never left behind. She embraced each technological advancement with enthusiasm, ensuring that doctors, nurses, and researchers had access to the most up-to-date and reliable medical literature. Whether it was introducing full-text journal access, implementing systematic review tools, or navigating copyright and open-access issues, Bernadette was always ahead of the curve.

Her work didn’t stop with these initial changes. Over the years, Bernadette embraced every major shift in technology, from the rise of the internet to the digitisation of journals and books. She ensured that the library remained at the cutting edge, providing access to the latest medical research and teaching staff how to navigate the ever-evolving world of information.

"Everyone [at Velindre] has been pleasant to work with, and everyone has been enthusiastic. You've feel like you've been useful, and that you've made your mark"

Advancing Evidence-Based Medicine

Bernadette’s contributions went beyond the library itself. She played a key role in advancing evidence-based medicine, collaborating with the Cochrane Collaboration, a global network dedicated to improving healthcare decision-making. Through her work in information retrieval, she helped shape national and international medical guidelines. In fact, she and her colleague Anne have co-authored over 70 research papers—an extraordinary achievement for hospital librarians.

Through these collaborations, Bernadette travelled the world, attending conferences, leading training sessions, and networking with other professionals.

"The information we find - we work at an individual patient level and we're finding information that impacts individual patients and their care plans, right up to finding information that is feeding into international guidelines"

A Lasting Impact

Beyond her professional achievements, Bernadette has been a mentor, a leader, and a beloved colleague. She has seen the library grow from a small, solitary service into a thriving, essential resource for the hospital and beyond. She has worked alongside countless colleagues, always fostering an environment of warmth, support, and dedication.

Bernadette says that despite her years of research and innovation, a part of her role that she will miss the most is seeing Anne, her Assistant Librarian and close friend, every morning, as they have worked by each other's side since 2004. 

"What I will miss is, for the past 20 years, the first thing we [Bernadette and Anne] do every morning is say hello to each other"

Now, as she steps into retirement, Bernadette has exciting plans ahead. She’s looking forward to rediscovering her love for art, spending time with her close-knit group of retired friends, and continuing her passion for medieval re-enactment with her partner. And while she may no longer be at her desk every morning, her impact will be felt for years to come.

Bernadette, thank you for everything. You’ve left an incredible mark on the library, the hospital, and everyone lucky enough to work with you. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!