In This Issue:
MEDLINEplus
is Better Than Ever
New
Docline
OLDMEDLINE
Update
E-CIP
 Permanent
Access to NLM Files
NIH
Director's Awards
NLM
New Associate Fellows
Virtual
Tour
MLA/PLA
Conference
Szczur
Joins SIS
Publicity
Review and Update
Portrait
Goes to Blair House
In Every Issue:
Names
in the News
NLM
In Print
|
Permanent Public Access to NLM Online Files
Guaranteed
Government Printing Office, NLM Sign Memo of
Understanding
In May, the National Library of Medicine and the U.S. Government
Printing Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the
permanent accessibility of major NLM electronic publications that
also are distributed through the GPO Federal Depository Library
Program (FDLP) in printed form.
The FDLP has made government publications available to the public
for more than 100 years by depositing printed copies in more than
1300 Congressionally designated libraries located throughout the
country. Since 1963, libraries with regional depository status have
been obligated to retain those copies permanently. This requirement
has contributed to space problems in some libraries -- especially in
those that have accumulated long runs of large publications such as
NLM's Cumulated Index Medicus. A parallel development has been a
growing recognition by NLM and GPO of the need to find ways to
ensure permanent access to the increasing number of government
publications that are available in electronic form.
The recent discussions by NLM and GPO have resulted in an
agreement that NLM will guarantee permanent public access to several
online files that contain information also published in print form.
GPO has agreed that most depository libraries no longer will be
required to retain paper copies. The memorandum of understanding
spells out the specific responsibilities accepted by NLM and GPO to
ensure the integrity and long term availability of NLM's online
publications. The titles currently covered by the agreement include:
- Cumulated Index Medicus (1966-present)
- Index Medicus (1960 - present) (Note: Earlier years will be
included as NLM's OLDMEDLINE project progresses.)
- Medical Subject Headings (1966-present)
- NLM Catalog (1955-1965)
- NLM Catalog. Supplement [microform] (1985- 1993)
- National Library of Medicine Audiovisuals Catalog (1978-1993)
- National Library of Medicine AVLINE Catalog (1975-1976)
- National Library of Medicine Current Catalog (1966-1993)
The content of these publications is available in NLM's online
files, MEDLINE, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and LOCATORplus.
Depository Libraries that are planning to withdraw printed copies
must follow regular GPO procedures. Questions should be directed to
GPO's Federal Depository Library Program staff. |
