United States National Library of Medicine: The World's Largest Medical Library
The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) stands as the premier global repository for biomedical knowledge. Operated by the U.S. federal government and located in Bethesda, Maryland, it serves as a critical hub for healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public seeking accurate medical information.
As an institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NLM is dedicated to acquiring, organizing, and preserving the world's scholarly biomedical literature, ensuring that vital scientific discoveries are accessible to those who need them most.
Key Facts
- Status: The largest medical library in the world.
- Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States.
- Established: 1836 (originally as the Library of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army).
- Collection Size: 27.8 million items as of 2015.
- Legal Mandate: Public Law 941 (August 3, 1956), amending Title III of the Public Health Service Act.
- Access: Open to the public.
History and Governance
The NLM has a long history dating back 190 years to its founding in 1836. It began its journey as the Library of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army before evolving into the massive federal institution it is today. Its current operations are guided by a legal mandate established by Public Law 941 on August 3, 1956.
The library is currently led by Acting Director Stephen Sherry (as of December 2025) and is supported by a dedicated workforce of 1,741 employees. To maintain its vast resources and digital infrastructure, the NLM operates with a budget of US$ 341,119,000.
An Unrivaled Collection of Medical Knowledge
The NLM's collection is vast and diverse, encompassing more than seven million books, journals, technical reports, manuscripts, microfilms, photographs, and images. This archive includes some of the oldest and rarest medical works in existence, bridging the gap between ancient medical wisdom and modern science.
Beyond traditional print media, the library manages complex digital datasets essential for modern research, including:
- Genomic, chemical, toxicological, and environmental data.
- Clinical trials data and drug information.
- Health data standards (standardized formats for exchanging health information).
- Software and consumer health information.
With a circulation of 309,817 items recorded in 2015, the library remains a highly active resource for the global scientific community.
NLM Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Organization | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Total Items (2015) | 27.8 Million |
| Annual Budget | US$ 341,119,000 |
| Staff Count | 1,741 Employees |
| Official Website | nlm.nih.gov |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Library of Medicine located?
The NLM is located in Bethesda, Maryland, in the United States.
Is the National Library of Medicine open to the public?
Yes, the library is open to the public.
What types of materials are kept in the NLM collection?
The collection includes books, journals, manuscripts, images, multimedia, genomic and chemical data, clinical trials data, drug information, and software.
When was the NLM established?
It was established in 1836, originally serving as the Library of the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army.
Who is the current acting director of the NLM?
As of December 2025, the acting director is Stephen Sherry.