The bright thread: the Bulletin's 75th anniversary

Area of Science:

• Medical Librarianship
• Bibliometrics
• Scholarly Publishing

Background:

• This paper presents a chronological review of the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association (BMLA).
• The review spans the publication years from 1911 through 1985.
• It examines the BMLA's evolution under nineteen different editors.

Observation:

• The BMLA experienced a gradual expansion in both its physical size and the scope of its content.
• New departments and specialized sections were progressively introduced.
• Pioneering articles that shaped the field were identified and discussed.

Findings:

• Significant changes in the journal's format were implemented over the decades.
• The administrative and advisory structures supporting the BMLA underwent considerable growth.
• Key financial data, including expenses, income, and subscription price trends, are presented.

Implications:

• Understanding the historical development of the BMLA provides insights into the evolution of medical librarianship.
• This historical analysis can inform strategies for contemporary scholarly communication in the field.
• The study highlights the importance of adapting publication formats and structures to meet changing needs.