Association of Research Libraries, 1967-1969

Administrative records, correspondence, medical research files, publications, and speeches (1944-1989; 116 linear feet) document the administrative and medical career of Martin Marc Cummings, Director of the National Library of Medicine between 1964-1984. Materials cover Cummings' career as National Library of Medicine Director, Director Emeritus starting in 1984, and his portions of research career on sarcoidosis and tuberculosis from 1948 to 1963.

The bulk of the collection consists of Cummings' administrative files as Director of the National Library of Medicine. Of special interest is Series 3: NLM Administration, 1956-1982, documenting Cummings major institutional and political accomplishments such as the development of the NLM Extramural Program, the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communication, and MEDLARS. In addition, Series 6: Speeches, 1961-1983 and Series 11: Publications, 1946-1982 document NLM's major milestones and achievements during his leadership. His inter-governmental work in the area of science policy, education, and computer science is best reflected in Series 5: Committees and Series 4: Subject Files.

Of note regarding the landmark copyright case with Williams & Wilkins Co., only four files are to be found in Series 4: Subject Files, 1951-1984. After the Supreme Court case, Cummings' office combined his files with Scott Adams' and the Reference Service Division's files concerning this matter which then was accessioned and processed as MS C 421 Williams & Wilkins Co. v. The United States Records.