German National Library of Medicine

German National Library of Medicine

The main building of the German National Library of Medicine in Cologne

The German National Library of Medicine (Deutsche Zentralbibliothek für Medizin, abbreviated as ZB MED) is the largest medical library in Europe. It is located in Cologne, Germany, and serves as a central repository for medical literature and information. The library is a key resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students in the field of medicine and related disciplines.

History

The German National Library of Medicine was established in 1973, following the merger of several smaller medical libraries. Its creation was part of a broader effort to centralize and improve access to medical information in Germany. Over the years, the library has expanded its collections and services, adapting to the changing needs of the medical community.

Collections

ZB MED holds an extensive collection of medical literature, including books, journals, and electronic resources. The library's holdings cover a wide range of topics, from clinical medicine and public health to biomedical research and healthcare policy. In addition to traditional print materials, ZB MED provides access to a vast array of digital resources, including databases, e-journals, and e-books.

Services

The library offers a variety of services to support research and education in the medical field. These include:

• Document Delivery Service: ZB MED provides a document delivery service that allows users to request copies of articles and other materials from its collections.
• Research Support: The library offers research support services, including literature searches and bibliographic assistance.
• Training and Workshops: ZB MED conducts training sessions and workshops on topics such as information retrieval, data management, and academic publishing.

Digital Initiatives

ZB MED is actively involved in digital initiatives to enhance access to medical information. The library participates in projects to digitize historical medical texts and develop online platforms for sharing research data. These efforts aim to make medical knowledge more accessible to a global audience.

Location and Facilities

The library is located on the campus of the University of Cologne, providing easy access for students and faculty. The facility includes reading rooms, computer workstations, and meeting spaces for collaborative work. The library's modern infrastructure supports both individual study and group activities.

Related Pages

• University of Cologne
• Medical Library
• Biomedical Research
• Public Health