The National Library of Medicine » MMftWMlkarii^WilMliiiaiiHliiUUM & The National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20014 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE Public Health Service National Institutes of Health INTRODUCTION The National Library of Medicine (NLM) in Bethesda, Maryland, the world's largest library in a single scientific field, is more than just a collection of materials; it is a service-oriented institution. If the Library's services are effectively utilized, most literature requests and informa- tion needs can be satisfied. This brochure is de- signed to acquaint you with the Library's history, programs, and methods for using its services. If more specific information is needed, write to the Office of Public Information, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. Public Card Catalog Room, NLM. HISTORY The Library was originally established in 1836 as the Library of the Surgeon General's Office. Its basic role was to serve the needs of military medical officers, and with small funds, the col- lection was mostly limited to material on clinical medicine and public health. With the arrival in 1863 of Dr. John Shaw Billings, the Library's mission was expanded and gradually formalized. Medical publications were made available to physicians generally. The ap- pearance in January 1879 of the first issue of Index Medicus, and, in 1880, of Volume I of the Index-Catalogue of the Library of the Surgeon General's Office, United States Army, marked the inception of a publication program which has continued with few interruptions to the present day. The Library's collections were enlarged from the 1,800 volumes of 1865, as reported by Billings, to 50,000 volumes and 60,000 pamphlets in 1880. His energetic program of acquisitions, by pur- chase, by exchange, and by gift—as at NLM today —steadily expanded both size and scope of the collection. 2 Dr. John Shaw Billings. Following Billings' tradition, the Library has continued to pioneer in the rapid dissemination of information. Such revolutionary library tech- nology as photoduplication for interlibrary loans and computerized information storage and re- trieval were first introduced by NLM. Currently, the National Library of Medicine is planning for and developing biomedical communication net- works which may eventually employ space satel- lites. COLLECTION The collections housed by the National Li- brary of Medicine comprise nearly 1,400,000 books, journals, and other materials, including 350,000 monographs, 350,000 bound journal volumes, 315,000 theses, 172,000 pamphlets, 11,000 reels of microfilms, 67,000 portraits and illustrations, and 1,000 medical motion pictures, filmstrips, and television titles. Housed in the Library is one of the nation's largest medical his- tory collections, with contents dating from the 11th to the mid-19th century. The NLM history of medicine and other collections may be con- sulted at the Library, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (These hours are somewhat modified dur- ing the summer months.) Top to Bottom: Book Stacks, Reading Room, Videotape Viewing Area. Film Collection at the National Medical Audiovisual Center. Interior of Library. Engraved illustration from: Florinus, Franciscus Philippus, pseud. Oeconomus Prudens et Legalis . . ., Nuremberg, 1722. From the History of Medicine Picture Collection, NLM. HOW TO USE THE COLLECTION Most of the literature in the collection is avail- able on loan through any library: Interlibrary loan requests should be submitted through a local medical library where the staff will fill out the prescribed forms, giving a complete biblio- graphic citation for each request. Requests may be submitted either by mail or by TWX. The Library's TWX number is 710 824 9619. Motion pictures will be loaned to health professionals on request to the National Medical Audiovisual Cen- ter, 2111 Plaster Bridge Road, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30324. 5 MEDLARS The Library's computer-based Medical Litera- ture Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS) was established to achieve rapid bibliographic access to NLM's vast store of biomedical infor- mation. It became operational in January 1964 with the publication of the first computer- produced issue of Index Medicus, a compre- hensive, subject-author index to articles from approximately 2,300 of the world's biomedical journals. The principal objective of MEDLARS is to provide references to the biomedical liter- ature for researchers, clinicians, and other health professionals. This is accomplished through: (1) preparation of citations for publication in Index Medicus and the NLM Current Catalog, (2) preparation of other recurring bibli- ographies on specialized subjects of wide interest, (3) preparation of retrospective, one-time bibliographies (demand searches), pro- duced by high-speed computer-search through the files of journal article cita- tions, in response to requests submitted by health professionals, and (4) publication and distribution of selected demand searches (designated "Litera- ture Searches") on a wide basis. A com- plete list of bibliographies is available on request from NLM. Computer Room, NLM. uefcwJ- g Genetic Code Exhibit—NLM Lobby Xerox Copyflo—Photoduplication Section Incunabula—History of Medicine Division Computer Console—Medlars II Reading Room—History of Medicine Division Mobile Camera—Photoduplication Section MEDLARS/NETWORK To provide more rapid dissemination of bio- medical information, the Library has been de- veloping a network arrangement through which MEDLARS and interlibrary loan services can be shared more efficiently by medical libraries. In the United States, the network consists of 11 MEDLARS stations and 8 regional medical li- braries. Although the National Library of Med- icine remains the heart of the network, more and more services are being provided directly by regional libraries. Users may request demand searches through a local library. 10 Chemical Apparatus. Engraved Illustration from J. Parkinson. Chemical Pocket Book, Philadelphia, 1802. From the History of Medicine Picture Collection, NLM. TOXICOLOGY INFORMATION PROGRAM This program was begun in 1967 to provide a national focal point of access to information in toxicology. A quarterly Toxicity Bibliography began publication in January 1968 (see publica- tions list). Other program objectives include organizing a standardized toxicology vocabulary, maintaining a roster of expert advisers in toxicol- ogy, identifying and characterizing files of infor- mation on toxicology, and establishing a com- puter-based system incorporating all information from those centers and other information sources. The Chymist (Detail). Interior of a Laboratory, Engraved After a Painting by David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690). From the History of Medicine Pic- ture Collection, NLM. GRANTS The Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 authorized the Library to administer financial grant programs in the following six areas: • training of medical librarians and other health information specialists • special scientific projects • research on new techniques and sys- tems for the organization and dissemi- nation of biomedical information • improvement of health science library resources • development of regional medical li- braries • selected biomedical publication proj- ects. For further information on any of these pro- grams, write to the Associate Director for Extra- mural Programs, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. 11 Architectural Rendering of Proposed Lister Hill National Center for Biomed- ical Communications. 12 Remote Information Systems Center —Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications. LISTER HILL NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOMEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS The Library moved into the space age when the 90th Congress passed a joint resolution au- thorizing the establishment of this biomedical communications center, named in honor of the former senator from Alabama. It serves as the focal point within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for communications sys- tems and network projects. Eventually, the most sophisticated communications satellites may be employed by the Center. 13 PUBLICATIONS NLM's bibliographies, catalogs, and other guides to med- ical literature may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash- ington, D. C. 20402. (Please do not send orders to the National Library of Medicine.) Remittance should accom- pany orders, and foreign orders should include an addi- tional 25% of the domestic price to cover mailing. The prices quoted below are those in effect for 1969; an up- dated list is available from the Office of Public Informa- tion, NLM. Index Medicus Index Medicus is published monthly as a bibliographic listing of references to current articles from approxi- mately 2,300 of the world's biomedical journals. Each issue contains a subject and name section and a sepa- rate Bibliography of Medical Reviews. Medical Subject Headings ($3.00) is included as Part 2 of the January issue. Price: $63.00 ($78.75 foreign); single issues $5.00. Cumulated Index Medicus Volume 9 (1968) is a cumulation in one author volume and four subject volumes of the approximately 207,000 citations to articles appearing in Index Medicus in 1968. Also included are Medical Subject Headings, List of jour- nals Indexed in Index Medicus, and Bibliography of Medical Reviews. Price: $72.25 ($80.55 foreign). List of Journals Indexed in Index Medicus The 1969 List of Journals Indexed contains four listings of the 2,300 journals indexed in Index Medicus: title, ab- breviation, subject, and geographical. Price: $1.25. Abridged Index Medicus A monthly bibliography, based on articles from 100 English-language journals, designed for the needs of the individual practitioner and libraries of small hospitals and clinics. To begin January 1970. Annual subscription price: $12.00 ($15.CO foreign); $1.00 for individual issues. Medical Subject Headings, 1969 Edition The 1969 edition of Medical Subject Headings is pub- lished as Part 2 of the January 1969 issue of Index Medicus. The approximately 7,400 subject headings in the 1969 MeSH are arranged alphabetically, with cross references, and in categorized lists. Available separately; price: $3.C0. Monthly Bibliography of Medical Reviews The Monthly BMR is a series designed to provide quick guidance to the latest reviews in the journal literature of biomedicine. Each monthly issue duplicates the ma- terial appearing in the Bibliography of Medical Reviews section of the corresponding monthly issue of Index Medicus. Price for one year's subscription (twelve monthly issues): $2.25 ($2.75 foreign). NLM Current Catalog Bibliographic listing of citations to publications cata- logued by the Library. Issued beginning January 1970 in three forms: (a) monthly (name section only), (b) quar- terly (non-cumulating, subject and name sections), and 14 (c) annual cumulation (subject and name sections). Prices: (a) 12 monthly issues—$7.50 ($9.50 foreign); (b) 4 quar- terly issues—$13.00 ($16.25 foreign); and (c) annual cumu- lation—$16.25 ($20.35 foreign). Annual cumulations for 1968 and 1969—$14.25 ($17.85 foreign) each. Toxicity Bibliography The quarterly Toxicity Bibliography covers the adverse and toxic effects of drugs and chemicals reported in the approximately 2,300 journals indexed for Index Medicus. Price: $14.00 per year ($17.50 foreign); single issues $3.50. A Catalogue of Sixteenth Century Printed Books in the National Library of Medicine Over 4,800 rare sixteenth century printed volumes from NLM's History of Medicine Division collection are listed. Some 1,500 printers and publishers and 188 different printing centers in fourteen European countries are in- dexed in detail. Casebound. 1967. 698 pages. Price: $5.25. Bibliography of the History of Medicine Number 3, 1967, is the third of an annual series of bibliographies on the history of medicine and related sciences, professions, and institutions. Prices: Number 2, 1966 (Public Health Service Publication No. 1540-2) $1.25; Number 3, 1967 (PHS Pub. No. 1540-3) $2.75. International Bibliography of Medicolegal Serials 7736-7967 An annotated listing of serials published on legal med- icine and related fields. Includes six indexes (title, edi- tors, publishers and sponsors, subject, geographical, and chronological). 1969. Price: $1.25. Prints Relating to Dentistry Includes reproductions of 67 prints illustrating the his- tory of dentistry from the Library's extensive collection of pictures of nonclinical medical interest. Dates of the prints range from the 15th to 20th centuries. Public Health Service Publication No. 1605. 1967. 36 pages. Price: $0.50. MEDLARS: 7963-67 Comprehensive description of NLM's computer system, MEDLARS (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Sys- tem). 76 pages with illustrations. Public Health Service Publication No. 1823. 1968. Price: $0.75. National Medical Audiovisual Center Catalog The 1968 NMAC Catalog lists audiovisuals, available on short-term free loan to health professionals, from NLM's Atlanta-based National Medical Audiovisual Center. Na- tional Institutes of Health Publication No. 451. 97 pages. Price: $0.75. Film Reference Guide for Medicine and Allied Sciences Published annually for the Federal Advisory Council on Medical Training Aids. The 1968 edition contains infor- mation on approximately 2,700 films. Public Health Service Publication No. 487, Revised 1968. 386 pages. Price: $2.75. (1969 Supplement, price: $0.75.) NLM Classification The National Library of Medicine Classification: A Scheme for the Shelf Arrangement of Books in the Field of Medicine and Its Related Sciences. 3rd Edition, 1964, with Supplementary Pages (1969). Public Health Service Publication No. 1108, Reprinted 1969. Price: $2.75. RECURRING BIBLIOGRAPHIES The National Library of Medicine, through its computer- based MEDLARS (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System), periodically produces lists of citations to journal articles in specialized biomedical fields. Most of these lists, termed "Recurring Bibliographies," are printed and distributed by nonprofit professional organizations and other government agencies with whom the Library coop- erates. (1) The Bibliography on Medical Education is published monthly in the Journal of Medical Education ($15.00 per year). Cumulations for 1964-65, 1966, and 1967 are avail- able from the American Association of Medical Colleges, 2530 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201 for $2.00 each. (2) The quarterly Cerebrovascular Bibliography is pre- pared under the auspices of the Joint Council Subcom- mittee on Cerebrovascular Disease, National Heart Insti- tute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. Distribution is limited. For information write to the Executive Secretary, Joint Council Subcommittee on Cerebrovascular Disease. (3) The monthly bibliography, Fibrinolysis, Thromboly- sis, and Blood Clotting, is distributed by the National Heart Institute. For information write to Dr. James M. Stengle, National Heart Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. (4) The monthly Index of Rheumatology is available from the American Rheumatism Association Section of The Arthritis Foundation, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036. Price: $6.00 per year ($7.00 foreign); $3.50 to members of the American Rheumatism Association. (5) The quarterly Index to Dental Literature is sold by the American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. Price: $20.00 for four cumulative issues (including annual cumulation); $10.00 for annual cumulation alone. (6) The quarterly International Nursing Index is sold by the American Journal of Nursing Company, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10019. Price: $15.00 for four cumulative issues (including cumulation); $12.50 for annual cumulations. (7) The quarterly Artificial Kidney Bibliography is pub- lished by the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases. For information write to the Scientific Com- munications Officer, National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Beth- esda, Maryland 20014. The bibliography is sold by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Price: $1.00 per year ($1.25 foreign); single issues, $0.30. 16 (8) The bimonthly Endocrinology Index is published by the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. The bibliography is sold by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Price: $16.00 per year ($20.00 foreign); single issues, $2.75. (9) The Bibliography of Surgery of the Hand, a quar- terly, is published and distributed by the American So- ciety for Surgery of the Hand. For information write to John P. Adams, M.D., Chairman, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037. (10) The Anesthesiology Bibliography, a bimonthly, is published and distributed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. For information write: Wood Library, Museum of Anesthesiology, American Society of Anes- thesiologists, 515 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068. (11) The quarterly Toxicity Bibliography is published by the National Library of Medicine and distributed by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Price: $14.00 per year ($17.50 foreign); single issues, $3.50. (12) The monthly Current Bibliography of Epidemiology (CuBE) is published by the American Public Health Asso- ciation. For information write to the Editor, CuBE, Amer- ican Public Health Association, 1740 Broadway, New York, New York 10019. (13) The Neurosurgical Biblio-lndex, a quarterly, is pub- lished by the American Association of Neurological Sur- geons. For information write to the Subscription Man- ager, Journal of Neurosurgery, Suite 1230, 251 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611. (14) The Cranio-Facial—Cleft Palate Bibliography is published quarterly by the American Cleft Palate Associa- tion. For information write to the Chairman, Nomencla- ture Committee, Box 3098, Division of Plastic, Maxillo- facial and Oral Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27706. (15) The Index of Investigative Dermatopathology and Dermatology is published monthly by the Universities Associated for Research and Education in Pathology, Inc. For information write to the UAREP, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20014. (16) The Recurring Bibliography of Hypertension is published bimonthly by the American Heart Association, Inc. For subscription information write: The American Heart Association, Inc., 44 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010. 17 National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Name------------------------------------- Address .----------------------------------- City & State------_---------------------— Zip Code Please send me the following: □ Publications lists □ Guide to MEDLARS Services □ Further information on library programs (specify): GPO : 1970 O - 375-537 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Telephone 301 656-4000 TWX 710 824 9619 HOURS Reading Room Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Summer Hours Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday closed Sunday closed History of Medicine Collection Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. The Library is closed on national holidays. TOURS Monday-Friday 3:00 p.m. Call 301 496-1030 or write to the Public Information Office for advance regis- tration or special arrangements. EXHIBITS Rare books, manuscripts, prints on the history of medicine, and displays of medical subjects are regularly exhibited in the lobby. Visitors are welcome. FILMS Films on the Library and MEDLARS may be viewed by appointment and are available on loan from the National Medical Audiovisual Center (Annex), Station K, Atlanta, Georgia 30324. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE 8600 ROCKVILLE PIKE BETHESDA. MARYLAND 20014 POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF H.E.W. OFFICIAL BUSINESS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE Public Health Service National Institutes of Health Public Health Service Publication No. 1533 (Revised 1969)