Press Release: NLM's Dr. Melvin Spann Retires

Return to Web VersionPrinter-friendly Version

NLM's Dr. Melvin Spann Retires;

Hailed for Achievements in Technology and Minority Health

(Bethesda, MD)--Dr. Melvin L. Spann, Associate Director for Specialized Information Services (SIS) at the National Library of Medicine, recently retired after 35 years of government service. The SIS provides information services in several specialized areas, including toxicology, environmental health, and HIV/AIDS.

"During his tenure, Mel Spann was responsible for the evolution of a variety of databases at the NLM," remarked NLM Director Dr. Donald A.B. Lindberg. "TOXLINE, of course, is the oldest and largest. He also vigorously pushed for the development of training aids, both conventional and microcomputer-based for these specialized information resources."

These two interests came together when Dr. Spann was asked to establish and direct NLM's toxicology information outreach project to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This program was designed to increase the capacity of HBCUs to train medical and other health professionals to utilize NLM's toxicological, environmental, and hazardous wastes information resources.

"I couldn't think of an individual better qualified for that assignment than Mel Spann," Dr. Lindberg noted. "First, he had the scientific background--he was trained in chemistry, toxicology, and information retrieval. Second, he had developed and nurtured the very specialized databases that are being used in the project. And third, he had demonstrated an acute awareness of and concern for the plight of those Americans whose health was most at risk from pollution and environmental hazardous waste." The success of the program was recognized in September 1999 when the Minority Health Professions Foundation designated its Public Health Training and Resource Center in Atlanta, "The Spann Center."

Dr. Spann came to the NLM, a part of the National Institutes of Health, in 1976 as a chemist/information specialist. Two years later, he was appointed chief of the Biomedical Information Services Branch, a position he held until becoming NLM Associate Director for Specialized Information Services in 1995.

He received the NIH Merit Award in 1978 for "vital leadership and creative application of technical skills in furthering the development of CHEMLINE as a major national chemical compound information retrieval service." He was given the NIH Director's Award in 1984 for "improving the availability of services to the health community through skilled management, personal dedication, and subject matter expertise." He received the Outstanding Manager Award from the NIH Chapter of Blacks in Government in 1987 for his "record of commitment to career mobility for minorities and women, acting as a mentor and role model for the next generation of employees." And he was presented with NLM's Phillip C. Coleman Award in 1995 "for continuing leadership through mentoring, dedication, and commitment to the goals of NLM."

Dr. Spann earned a BS degree in chemistry from Howard University, an MS in chemistry/information science and technology from American University, and a Ph.D. in chemistry/computer systems from American. He is a former Adjunct Professor in the Chemistry Department at American University.

Note to editors: A photograph of Dr. Spann may be requested by e-mail: publicinfo@nlm.nih.gov

Last updated: 29 April 2004
First published: 09 November 1999
Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content