The collection as a whole is rich in material on the Library, its day-to-day operations, and its growth. Especially of interest are the summary histories in Box 1, information on proposed new buildings, merger plans with the Library of Congress, and the very thorough records detailing Mary L. Marshall's role in the development of the AML Classification.

Typescript notes about data in various libraries and repositories relating to the history of the National Library of Medicine, including its predecessors. Much of the material pertains to the period when John Shaw Billings was librarian.

Contains correspondence, memoranda, and printed matter relating to the National Library of Medicine's planning and preparations for the Billings Centennial, a copy of the original promotional guide, and photographs of the some of the events' speakers.