National Library of Medicine
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National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world's largest biomedical library, operated by the U.S. federal government. It serves as a global resource for biomedical information, providing access to literature, data, and research support tools that are crucial for advancing health sciences and improving public health.
Mission
The mission of the National Library of Medicine is to collect, preserve, and make biomedical information available to foster scientific discovery and health care improvements. NLM aims to provide reliable health information to the public, health professionals, and researchers, facilitating research and education in medicine and related sciences.
Parent organization
NLM is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which itself is an agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This relationship allows NLM to leverage NIH's broader research network and resources.
Legislation
The NLM was established through the Act to Incorporate the National Library of Medicine of 1956, which formalized its role in managing and distributing biomedical information.
Partners
- Libraries, both domestic and international, for resource sharing and development. - Universities and research institutions for collaborative research and educational programs. - Health organizations for disseminating health information to the public.
Number of employees
NLM employs approximately 1,800 staff members, including librarians, scientists, and IT professionals.
Organization structure
NLM is structured into several divisions:
- Library Operations for managing collections and services.
- Specialized Information Services for providing targeted health information.
- Extramural Programs for supporting research grants and contracts.
- Information Engineering Branch for developing IT solutions to improve information access.
Leader
The NLM is led by a Director.
Divisions
- - Division of Library Operations for cataloging, preservation, and access services.
- - Division of Specialized Information Services for managing databases like MedlinePlus.
- - Office of Computer and Communications Systems for IT infrastructure supporting NLM's digital services.
List of programs
- - PubMed for accessing biomedical literature.
- - MedlinePlus for consumer health information.
- - ClinicalTrials.gov for information on clinical research studies.
Last total enacted budget
The last known budget for NLM was approximately $446.9 million for Fiscal Year 2023.
Staff
NLM has about 1,800 employees who work in various capacities from managing the vast collections to developing and maintaining digital services.
Funding
NLM is funded through the NIH budget, which in turn receives allocations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its funding supports operational costs, research grants, and development of new information services.
Services provided
NLM provides access to medical literature, research data, and health information through databases like PubMed, MedlinePlus, and GenBank. It also supports research through grants and contracts, educational programs, and by developing tools for information management in the health sector.
Regulations overseen
NLM does not oversee regulations but adheres to federal guidelines on information dissemination, privacy, and health research.
Headquarters address
8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
History
Founded in 1836 as the Library of the Office of the Surgeon General, the National Library of Medicine was formally established by law in 1956. Over the years, it has grown from a collection of medical books to a premier resource for biomedical information, significantly expanding its digital services to meet modern research demands.
External links
- Official Website
- wikipedia:National Library of Medicine
- NIH Almanac Entry for NLM
- Library of Congress Catalog Record for NLM