Looking Backward, Looking Forward—Together

photos of Dr. Patricia Flatley Brennan's time as Director of the National Library of Medicine

One thing I’ve learned as a federal employee is that nothing at work ever happens all alone. As I look to retirement from NIH and federal service at the end of this month, I invite you to look backward at what we have accomplished together and look forward to the next journey for NLM!

Keeping Cool in the Library!

woman in library using an oscillating fan to keep cool

This summer the United States is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for days on end across the country. When health challenges emerge, people often turn to libraries as sources of information and support. NLM is proud of its resources that link people to the trusted health information they need.

Stories of NLM Outreach: The Network of the National Library of Medicine Discovery Podcast

In 2022, the NNLM awarded over $1.3 million to enable dozens of creative projects. With so many innovative projects to highlight, the NNLM created its NNLM Discovery Podcast Series to feature stories that show connections to the work of NLM and NIH.

NLM and MLA: Working Together to Build on Our Vision and Roadmap at MLA | SLA ’23

Open book on blue background

It is time for the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) Annual Meeting this week in Detroit, Michigan. This year is special because not only is MLA partnering with the Special Libraries Association to expand its offerings beyond health sciences librarianship, it’s also MLA’s 125th anniversary!

Our Libraries: Keeping Hope Alive for Heart Health

library shelves leading towards bright light of hope

Right now, I am reading The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. One quote that struck me the most is, “Libraries are lungs. Books the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive.”

Anticipating a Future We Never Anticipated

During the summer of 2017, my first summer as Director of the National Library of Medicine, Joyce Backus—our then-NLM Associate Director for Library Operations (ADLO)—approached me with a wild idea: “How about we engage an architectural firm to guide renovations of our library space?” Joyce was a forward-thinking ADLO and had already done much to … Continue reading Anticipating a Future We Never Anticipated

Giving Thanks Where Thanks is Due

One of the great joys of being the Director of the National Library of Medicine is the many opportunities for me to express gratitude. In the past, I have given thanks to NLM staff who are veterans (2021), for progress during my tenure (2020), and to our amazing NLM staff members (2019). This year, I … Continue reading Giving Thanks Where Thanks is Due

Engaging with Purpose: Libraries as Healing Spaces

Over the past month, students across the country started their first day of school—it’s a day of excitement, promise, and the hope of new growth. For some students, including those who were at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, it’s a challenging time—how to reach for the future without the pain of the past. Importantly, … Continue reading Engaging with Purpose: Libraries as Healing Spaces

What Health Literacy Outreach Looks Like at NLM

Screenshots from featured videos

Guest post by M. Nichelle Midón, Project Scientist, Office of Engagement and Training, National Library of Medicine. Earlier this year, NLM Director Dr. Patricia Flatley Brennan shared insights about how we, at NLM, support individual and organizational health literacy. As the world’s largest biomedical library, NLM provides physical and digital access to trusted, quality health … Continue reading What Health Literacy Outreach Looks Like at NLM