Related Experiment Videos
A HISTORICAL MEDICAL COLLECTION, AND SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IT PRESENTS
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|January 1, 1964
Summary
Organizing a medical history collection involves challenges like space and classification. This paper details adapting the National Library of Medicine Classification for historical medical books and journals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Librarianship
- History of Medicine
- Bibliographic Classification
Background:
- Organizing historical medical collections presents significant challenges, including space constraints, material selection, and classification systems.
- This paper focuses on the Rudolph Matas Medical Library's historical collection at Tulane University.
Observation:
- The study examines the complexities of classifying historical medical books and journals.
- Existing classification systems, particularly the National Library of Medicine Classification, are reviewed.
Findings:
- The National Library of Medicine Classification was expanded to accommodate the library's specific needs.
- Key modifications include classifying Americana imprints by subject, setting a 1900 termination date for Americana, and integrating specialty histories with general medical history.
Implications:
- The adapted classification system provides a more effective framework for organizing historical medical literature.
- This approach addresses challenges in classifying specialized materials like military medicine and surgery texts.
- The findings offer a practical model for other medical libraries managing historical collections.