Network of the National Library of Medicine Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for a Coordinating Center of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM).

Established in 1965 and organized geographically across the United States and its territories, the NNLM promotes and supports the initiatives, products, and services of the NLM and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the years, the network has expanded its impact through strategic partnerships with a broad array of member organizations, including health sciences, hospital, academic, and public libraries; health professionals; data organizations; and community-based groups.

The NNLM's core mission is to enable the effective use of and contribution to health information and data made available by the NLM and NIH. The network achieves this by providing professional development for librarians and information specialists, and by supporting access to health information and outreach through libraries and community organizations. A central emphasis of the NNLM is increasing awareness of and engagement with NIH programs and resources.

While the NNLM has traditionally focused on promoting NLM-specific products, it is now poised to expand its reach across the broader NIH community. The network will play a vital role in disseminating research findings, fostering community engagement and partnerships, and supporting participation in local clinical research. In doing so, the NNLM will enhance public understanding of NIH's contributions and increase the use of NIH-supported information and data resources.

The NNLM consists of three major components: 1) the Network Coordinating Center (NCC), 2) Regional Medical Libraries (RMLs), and 3) the Network Training Center (NTC). This announcement specifically pertains to the NCC, with companion NOFOs forthcoming for RMLs and the NTC.

The NCC will be responsible for the administration, evaluation, communication, and coordination of the Network, working closely with the NTC and the RMLs. The NCC will design and implement efficient, transparent systems for coordination and oversight. It will manage network-wide evaluation activities, including the development of tools and systems for data collection and analysis, and will lead the common metrics initiative and related reporting. In addition, the NCC will oversee internal communication tools that support coordination and knowledge management, as well as public-facing platforms such as the NNLM website.

The NCC should have strong competencies in network management and evaluation, as well as evidence of creating strong partnerships with NIH and other organizations.

Grant authority that allows NLM to forecast this opportunity is as follows: Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 (MLAA, P.L. 89-291).