The MEDLINE hardware and software

The National Library of Medicine's computer system has developed from a second generation computer to the large IBM multiprocessor system that is now used to maintain the MEDLINE file, provide retrieval services, and produce the computer photocomposed products of the NLM. On-line maintenance facilities have been developed for the final steps in the input and file maintenance processes. The retrieval program, ELHILL, and its supporting programs now provide more bibliographic searches than any other system in the world. The photocomposed products, including Index Medicus, are produced through the use of flexible publication programmes which have allowed NIH to use several different photocomposers.