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National Medical Librarians Month

Join us in recognizing the hardworking and knowledgeable medical librarians who make a difference every day during National Medical Librarians Month!

Thursday

1–31

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYEducators

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Happy National Medical Librarians Month! Every October, we recognize and honor the hardworking individuals who keep our medical libraries running smoothly and provide invaluable support to healthcare professionals. This month-long celebration was first established in 2004 by the Medical Library Association as a way to highlight the important role that medical librarians play in promoting access to high-quality health information. So let's take a moment to thank these dedicated professionals for all they do to improve patient care and advance medical research.

TIMELINE

National Medical Librarians Month Timeline

Dawn of Medical Libraries

Medical libraries began to form in the 19th century, with the collections of medical books and journals primarily intended for medical professionals and researchers.

Formation of Library Association

The Medical Library Association (MLA) was founded to facilitate the exchange of ideas and improvements in the field of medical librarianship.

National Library of Medicine Establishment

The National Library of Medicine, the world's largest biomedical library, was officially established providing valuable resources to health professionals worldwide.

Introduction of MEDLINE

MEDLINE, a database of life sciences and biomedical bibliographic information, was developed by the National Library of Medicine, facilitating research work for medical librarians.

Digital Era Transition

Along with the digital era, medical libraries transitioned to adopt Internet technologies, providing online databases, e-journals, and digital resources to their patrons.

National Medical Librarians Month

The Medical Library Association established the observance of National Medical Librarians Month during the month of October to honor these essential professionals.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Medical Librarians Month

Host a virtual book club

Gather your fellow medical librarians and organize a virtual book club! Choose a book related to the field of medical librarianship and have discussions about it throughout the month.

ATTEND

Attend a conference or workshop

Check out any virtual conferences or workshops happening during National Medical Librarians Month. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, network with other medical librarians, and celebrate the profession.

CREATE

Create a social media campaign

Spread awareness about National Medical Librarians Month by creating a social media campaign. Share interesting facts, stories, and resources related to the profession to educate and engage others.

ORGANIZE

Organize a webinar or presentation

Share your knowledge and expertise by organizing a webinar or presentation on a topic related to medical librarianship. This is a great way to showcase the important role of medical librarians in the healthcare field.

RECOGNIZE

Recognize and appreciate your colleagues

Take the time to recognize and appreciate your colleagues during National Medical Librarians Month. This can be through a simple thank you note, a small gift, or a shoutout on social media. Let them know how much their hard work and dedication is valued.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Medical Librarians Month is Important

They are essential for evidence-based medicine

Medical librarians are trained to critically evaluate sources of medical information and determine their reliability. This is crucial for practicing evidence-based medicine, which involves making treatment decisions based on the best available scientific evidence. Without medical librarians, it would be difficult for healthcare professionals to discern reputable sources from unreliable ones.

They provide invaluable support to healthcare professionals

Medical librarians play a crucial role in providing access to accurate and up-to-date information for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. They help them make informed decisions that can ultimately improve patient care and outcomes.

They promote lifelong learning and education

Medical librarians encourage continuous learning and professional development among healthcare professionals by providing access to educational resources and offering training sessions on information retrieval and management. This helps to ensure that healthcare providers stay updated with the latest advancements in their field.

Related holidays

Library and Information Services Month

It's Library and Information Services Month - time to explore new worlds, expand your knowledge, and discover the endless resources available at your local library!

Health Literacy Month

Boost your health IQ this October with Health Literacy Month - join the movement to improve understanding and communication in healthcare!

International School Libraries Month

It's time to celebrate the magic of school libraries during International School Libraries Month - get lost in a good book today!

International Special Librarians Day

On International Special Librarians Day, let's give a shoutout to all the amazing librarians who make knowledge accessible and fuel our love for learning!

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