Medical Libraries

Medical libraries exist to help doctors, medical students, curious patients and medical researchers get information on medical subjects. Unlike public libraries, a medical library will have extremely detailed information about all detailed medical conditions, treatment and research.

• Medical libraries are usually found in medical schools, medical research labs and large hospitals. One major benefit of having access to a medical library is the technology that can be accessed. One specific database, known as MEDLINE, is a very useful and up-to-date site that is designed to have the latest medical research available. A medical library will also have access to all the best medical journal archives.

• Any school that offers medical, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and several other types of medical-related training must have an updated medical library to be accredited. These medical library standards are set by groups such as the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education is a type of quality assurance group that exists for any type of medical school. There must be a staff in the medical library that is well qualified to answer questions that may be asked of them. Usually, a medical library will be located near, not in, a medical school or hospital.

• One of the largest medical libraries in the world is the United States National Library of Medicine. Located in Maryland, this medical library also has an extensive website that allows for medical information to be obtained. A large online medical library catalog acts as the website’s search engine. The National Library of Medicine receives a constant stream of updates and new information from highly regarded experts in a variety of medical fields. Another large organization dedicated to medical libraries is the Medical Library Association. The Medical Library Association publishes an international journal that is known as the Journal of Medical Library Association. It is published four times a year and is made for medical libraries, in order for them to advance their databases of medical information.

• Medical libraries are especially valuable for medical students. Medical students will statistically use a medical library about three times per each week in medical school. Well known medical schools such as John Hopkins University School of Medicine are known for having access to well stocked nearby medical libraries.

Entering the medical profession or researching a medical condition, whether for required research or personal reasons, is made easier with the use of medical libraries. A medical library is the best place for receiving accurate medical information resources that one cannot receive in other places.