DIXIT (RP). Online Databases and Databanks of US National Library of Medicine. 19,2;1994;93-125
Explains the establishment of the US National Library of Medicine (NLM) and its collections, both print and non-print materials. Describes the publication of Index Medicus, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)- responsible for bringing the world-wide health sciences literature information under bibliographical control as well as indexing operations and its online system. Elaborates various online databases and databanks accessible through two computer subsystems of MEDLARS, viz. ELHILL and TOXNET. Discusses internet-accessible resources and its capabilities, international MEDLINE agreements and collaboration with WHO.
DIXIT (RP). Status of Health Science Libraries : A Critical Review. 19,1;1994;19-45 Traces the emergence of health science libraries belonging to the allopathy system till 1944, in a chronological order. Findings of the various surveys undertaken after 1945 to assess the status and simultaneous publication of the directory of medical libraries by the institutions depicting the available resources and services of libraries, have been discussed. The establishment of research institution in the field of health and allied sciences and their libraries after the Five-Year Plan have been elaborated. Examines the existing position of medical libraries in terms of available resources and different types of services for community. Under "Document Resources" illustrates the outcome of the survey conducted for assessing the existing position of books and monographs, periodicals, theses/dissertations, annual additions, microfilms/microfiches and audiovisuals, manpower, and equipment etc. It suggests suitable steps to be implemented for strengthening these.