The Fate of the Dinosaur.

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  • Additional Information
    • Peer Reviewed:
      N
    • Source:
      14
    • Subject Terms:
      Databases; History; Information Networks; Information Services; Information Systems; Interlibrary Loans; Library Automation; Library Networks; Medical Libraries; National Libraries; Online Systems; Speeches; Technology; Trend Analysis
    • Abstract:
      The National Library of Medicine (NLM) had its beginnings in the Library of the Army Surgeon General's office established in 1836. Dr. John Shaw Billings, who was in charge from 1865 to 1895, greatly influenced the growth of the library and also initiated production of the widely used "Index Catalogue" of author and subject listings as well as the monthly "Index Medicus." Since then NLM has introduced microfilm (1937), photoduplication (1942), and the mechanization of "Index Medicus" (late 1950's). In 1960 NLM began developing its computerized Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS) to allow bibliography production and rapid data base searches. The MEDLARS photocomposition techniques proved highly successful and cost-effective. The MEDLARS On-Line (MEDLINE) remote terminal network became a reality in 1971, and now serves 500 institutions nationwide. At present, NLM coordinates a network of 11 regional libraries supported by 125 resource libraries and provides interlibrary loan service for the national medical community. In the future NLM will have to learn to cope with new technology and even larger amounts of material if it wishes to avoid going the way of the dinosaur. (LS)
    • Publication Date:
      1977
    • Accession Number:
      ED127961