The U.S. National Library of Medicine: A treasure trove of global medical knowledge

The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) is one of the world's largest medical libraries and a core resource for global medical information and research. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NLM has been dedicated since its inception to collecting, preserving, and disseminating knowledge in medicine and related fields, providing high-quality information services to researchers, healthcare professionals, and the public worldwide.

The history of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) dates back to 1836, when it was born as a small book collection in the office of the U.S. Surgeon General. Over time, this small library has grown into a world-class medical library with more than 7 million books, journals, manuscripts, and other materials. Today, the NLM is not only a physical library but also a digital global medical information center, providing users with a wealth of online resources and services through its official website , www.nlm.nih.gov .

Abundant collection resources

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is renowned for its extensive collections. These collections cover a wide range of topics, from ancient medical texts to modern scientific research findings, catering to the needs of diverse users. Below are some of the main collection categories:

• Medical Books and Journals: The NLM houses a vast collection of medical books and journals, including classic medical texts and the latest research findings. These resources provide researchers with invaluable historical perspectives and scientific evidence.
• Manuscripts and Rare Documents: The library houses many precious manuscripts and rare documents, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. These documents are of great significance for the study of medical history and cultural context.
• Multimedia Resources: In addition to traditional printed materials, NLM also possesses a wealth of multimedia resources, such as audio recordings, video files, and digital images. These resources help to more intuitively understand complex medical concepts and techniques.
• Databases and Electronic Resources: NLM has developed and maintains several important databases and electronic resource platforms, such as PubMed and MedlinePlus. These tools have greatly facilitated the access to and utilization of medical information.

Digital transformation and technological innovation

With the development of information technology, NLM actively embraces digital transformation, striving to convert traditional collections into accessible digital formats and launching a series of innovative technological solutions to enhance user experience. Here are some key initiatives:

• PubMed: PubMed is a free search engine provided by NLM that helps users quickly find abstracts and full-text links to literature in the biomedical field. This tool has become an indispensable research assistant for researchers worldwide.
• MedlinePlus: MedlinePlus is a health information portal for the general public, providing easy-to-understand content on diseases, symptoms, medications, and more. It aims to improve public awareness of health issues and their self-management abilities.
• GenBank: GenBank is an international nucleic acid sequence database that stores genomic data submitted by scientists around the world. This database supports genetic research and drives advancements in fields such as personalized medicine.
• Data Science Initiatives: NLM also actively participates in data science projects to explore how to better utilize big data analytics to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

Education and Training Programs

In addition to providing abundant information resources, NLM also places great emphasis on education and training. Through various activities, NLM is committed to cultivating the next generation of medical informatics professionals and enhancing the public's understanding and application of medical knowledge. Below are some typical educational programs:

• Informationist Program: This program aims to train professional information scientists who can assist physicians and other medical staff in effectively using medical information resources in clinical settings.
• Summer Internship Program: Every summer, NLM accepts a group of students to participate in an internship program, where they learn how to manage and analyze medical data in real-world work situations.
• Continuing Education Courses: NLM regularly offers continuing education courses for working professionals to update their knowledge and improve their skills.

International cooperation and influence

The National Medical Research and Development Center (NLM) plays a vital role not only domestically in the United States but also actively participates in international collaborations and exchanges, striving to achieve the global sharing of medical knowledge. Through partnerships with institutions in other countries and regions, the NLM promotes cross-border research collaboration and technology transfer. Furthermore, the NLM participates in the development of global standards and protocols to ensure the security and interoperability of medical information.

Globally, the impact of NLM is reflected in the following aspects:

• Promoting Open Access: NLM supports and promotes open access policies, encouraging researchers to share their findings, thereby accelerating scientific progress.
• Responding to public health crises: In the face of major public health events such as Ebola outbreaks or COVID-19 pandemics, NLM responds swiftly and provides timely and accurate information to support the decision-making process.
• Technical support for developing countries: NLM helps developing countries build their own medical information systems and bridge the digital divide by donating equipment, software and technical guidance.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, NLM will continue to uphold its mission and expand its service scope and technological boundaries. With the increasingly widespread application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, NLM is actively exploring their potential in medical information processing, striving to provide users with a more intelligent and personalized service experience. At the same time, NLM will continue to strengthen its partnerships with other organizations to jointly build a more open and inclusive global medical knowledge ecosystem.

In short, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) is not only a treasure trove of medical knowledge but also a vital bridge connecting the past and the future, theory and practice. Whether you are a scholar seeking professional knowledge or an ordinary citizen wishing to understand your own health, the NLM will provide the support and assistance you need. Let us look forward to this great institution achieving even greater success in the future!