NLM’s Library Operations is Reimagining to Better Serve You

This blog was authored by staff who serve on the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Library Operations (LO) Strategies Working Group.

NLM is nearing its 200th anniversary in 2036, and NLM’s Library Operations (LO) is reflecting on its continuing mandate to acquire, organize, preserve, and disseminate biomedical information. LO is one of NLM’s largest divisions and comprises over 400 talented staff committed to furthering NLM as the world’s largest biomedical library and a leader in research in computational health informatics. We are re-envisioning our products, operations, and services for NLM’s diverse users around the world.

Last year, we created a “3Cs” framework—Collect, Curate, and Connect—to describe the work we do.

Each component represents the critical work LO performs, but the components do not function in isolation. They are interconnected and move together to achieve operational success.

Embracing a Future of Data-Driven Discovery

Our 2021–2036 Long-Range Plan is strategic, thoughtful, and forward-thinking. It will address the challenges that come with the accelerated pace of changing technology, the rise and spread of health misinformation, evolving user expectations, and need for equal and inclusive access to unbiased information.

In support of the three pillars of the NLM Strategic Plan, LO will work collaboratively across NLM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build a data-driven workforce and with global partners to ensure our work accelerates biomedical discovery while reaching as many people as possible.

The five goals of our long-range plan will enhance LO’s mission and prepare us for the future as NLM reimagines its work post-pandemic and moves into its third century.

Goal 1: Create a Modernized Organizational Structure. We will focus internally on our organizational structure, work processes, and the workforce expertise necessary to meet the future needs and expectations of our global users.

Goal 2: Unify and Transform NLM Collections. We will redefine and manage NLM’s diverse collection of both historical and modern content as “one collection,” valued by the world for the knowledge it holds to advance data-driven discovery. We will accelerate digitization, increase digital acquisitions, improve the discoverability of collections data, and continue investing in the physical collection space for future preservation.

Goal 3: Support and Promote the Use of Health Data Standards & Terminologies. We will position LO as a centralized leader in the production of and access to the terminologies, policies, data, and tools needed for wide-scale public use and research.

Goal 4: Provide Customer Design and Experience Support. We will support customers’ needs and translate them into product development and life cycle management by putting the principles of digital government strategy into practice.

Goal 5: Know and Equitably Engage Our Users. We will engage stakeholders to facilitate access, delivery, and dissemination of NLM’s collection and trusted NLM/NIH health information resources through community-driven engagement, training, and capacity-building programs.

The first phase of implementation for all five goals is currently underway, and we plan to continuously measure and assess our progress, evolve as needed, and continue to engage our stakeholders.

Our Commitment to Our Users

The interrelated 3Cs and five goals will allow us to continue to collaborate across our institution to serve NLM’s diverse users, enhance our role as a national library, maintain stewardship of the world’s largest biomedical collection, and serve as a key NIH institute. LO is committed to our continuous improvement, innovation, and data-based decision-making to support biomedical research discovery and integrity. Our core values of user focus, service, knowledge sharing, quality, and trustworthiness continue to serve as our beacon to confidently deliver on the goals outlined in this bold 15-year plan.

Libraries continue to evolve as their users’ needs and expectations change. How are you responding to the changing needs of your users?