National Library of Medicine

In order to assist the advancement of medical and related sciences and to aid the dissemination and exchange of scientific and other information important to the progress of medicine and to the public health, there is established the National Library of Medicine (hereafter in this part referred to as the “Library”). The Secretary, through the Library and subject to subsection (d), shall— The Secretary may exchange, destroy, or otherwise dispose of any books, periodicals, films, and other library materials not needed for the permanent use of the Library. The Secretary may, after obtaining the advice and recommendations of the Board of Regents, prescribe rules under which the Library will— Rules prescribed under paragraph (1) may provide for making available such publications, materials, facilities, or services— Whenever the Secretary, with the advice of the Board of Regents, determines that— Section 238 of this title shall be applicable to the acceptance and administration of gifts made for the benefit of the Library or for carrying out any of its functions, and the Board of Regents shall make recommendations to the Secretary relating to establishment within the Library of suitable memorials to the donors. For purposes of this part, the terms “medicine” and “medical”, except when used in section 286a of this title, include preventive and therapeutic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, hospitalization, nursing, public health, and the fundamental sciences related thereto, and other related fields of study, research, or ac­tivity.