NLM - National Library of Medicine classificatie schema
 
NLM Home Page
Fact Sheets Home PageContact NLMSite IndexSearch Our Web SiteNLM Home Page
Health InformationLibrary ServicesResearch ProgramsNew and NoteworthyGeneral Information

Fact Sheet
NLM Classification

The National Library of Medicine Classification covers the field of medicine and related sciences. The scheme is a system of classification intended to be used for the shelf arrangement of all library materials, regardless of format. Designed as a broad classification, it is suitable for both large and small library collections and may be adapted to handle specialized collections of any size.

The NLM Classification is a system of mixed notation patterned after the Library of Congress (LC) Classification where alphabetical letters which denote broad subject categories are further subdivided by numbers. The NLM Classification utilizes schedules QS-QZ and W-WZ, permanently excluded from the LC Classification Schedules and is intended to be used with the LC schedules which supplement the NLM Classification for subjects bordering on medicine and for general reference materials. The LC schedules for Human Anatomy (QM), Microbiology (QR), and Medicine (R) are not used at all by the National Library of Medicine since they overlap the NLM Classification.

OUTLINE OF NLM CLASSIFICATION

Preclinical Sciences:

  • QS Human Anatomy
  • QT Physiology
  • QU Biochemistry
  • QV Pharmacology
  • QW Microbiology and Immunology
  • QX Parasitology
  • QY Clinical Pathology
  • QZ Pathology

Medicine and Related Subjects:

  • W Health Professions
  • WA Public Health
  • WB Practice of Medicine
  • WC Communicable Diseases
  • WD 100 Nutrition Disorders
  • WD 200 Metabolic Diseases
  • WD 300 Immunologic and Collagen Diseases. Hypersensitivity
  • WD 400 Animal Poisons
  • WD 500 Plant Poisons
  • WD 600 Diseases and Injuries Caused by Physical Agents
  • WD 700 Aviation and Space Medicine
  • WE Musculoskeletal System
  • WF Respiratory System
  • WG Cardiovascular System
  • WH Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
  • WI Digestive System
  • WJ Urogenital System
  • WK Endocrine System
  • WL Nervous System
  • WM Psychiatry
  • WN Radiology. Diagnostic Imaging
  • WO Surgery
  • WP Gynecology
  • WQ Obstetrics
  • WR Dermatology
  • WS Pediatrics
  • WT Geriatrics. Chronic Disease
  • WU Dentistry. Oral Surgery
  • WV Otolaryngology
  • WW Ophthalmology
  • WX Hospitals and Other Health Facilities
  • WY Nursing
  • WZ History of Medicine