How to Conduct a Literature Search Using NLM Tools

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How to Conduct a Literature Search Using NLM Tools

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), situated in Bethesda, Maryland, stands while the world's largest biomedical library and a pivotal resource for medical research, education, and public health. Founded in 1836 because the Library of the Surgeon General's Office, the NLM has evolved dramatically over nearly two centuries, supporting advancements in healthcare, medicine, and technology. It houses countless books, journals, manuscripts, photographs, and audiovisual materials, preserving the rich history of medicine while providing cutting-edge information to professionals and people alike. Included in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NLM plays a central role in ensuring that healthcare providers, researchers, and patients have access to reliable, up-to-date medical information every time they need it

One of the very remarkable contributions of the National Library of Medicine is its creation and management of vast digital resources that revolutionize how information is accessed. Platforms like PubMed, which provides access to over 35 million citations for biomedical literature, and ClinicalTrials.gov, an extensive database of publicly and privately funded clinical studies, are vital tools for researchers worldwide. The NLM's initiatives have broken barriers to knowledge, offering free usage of information that has been once confined to academic or government institutions. Beyond its databases, the NLM has led efforts in digitizing rare manuscripts, historical medical literature, and visual materials, ensuring that invaluable historical insights are preserved for future generations

The NLM is also a leader in biomedical informatics and data science. It actively supports research and development in fields such as for instance artificial intelligence, machine learning, health data standards, and information retrieval. Through its grants and research programs, the NLM empowers scientists to generate innovative tools that increase the ways health information is collected, shared, and utilized. By promoting open science and enhancing interoperability among medical data systems, the Library is laying the foundation for more personalized, effective healthcare solutions. Initiatives such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), housed within the NLM, have profoundly influenced genomics, molecular biology, and biomedical informatics on an international scale

In addition to its research and digital activities, the National Library of Medicine includes a strong public outreach mission. Through resources like MedlinePlus, the NLM provides easy-to-understand, trustworthy information to consumers, empowering individuals to create informed health decisions. The Library also runs exhibitions and public programs that explore the intersection of history, culture, and medicine. Special exhibits highlight topics like the history of surgery, the impact of pandemics, and the contributions of underrepresented groups to medical science. Educational initiatives extend to training librarians, healthcare professionals, and students in health information management and biomedical research practices, thus strengthening the nation's healthcare information infrastructure

Anticipating, the National Library of Medicine continues to adjust to the rapidly changing landscape of science and technology. It embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by big data, artificial intelligence, and global health needs. Under visionary leadership, the NLM is expanding its reach and capabilities, ensuring so it remains not only a repository of days gone by but additionally an vigabatrin oral solution  force for the future. By maintaining its commitment to free access, scientific innovation, and public service, the National Library of Medicine secures its position as a cornerstone of medical knowledge and a beacon for researchers, healthcare providers, and the general public worldwide

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