# PubMed Central: offering a trove of historical medical journals

## TL;DR

This paper highlights the importance of PubMed Central's digitization project in preserving and providing open access to historical medical journals.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the success of PMC's digitization efforts and offers a blueprint for future open access initiatives.

## Key findings

- PMC's digitization project successfully preserved historical medical journals through interdisciplinary teamwork.
- The project serves as a model for future open access efforts by the National Library of Medicine.
- Open access to these journals supports advancements in medicine and public health.

## Abstract

This article briefly documents the history and significance of PubMed Central (PMC) Journal Backfiles Digitization, 2004-2024 to raise awareness of this open access project among researchers who will find much to discover to advance understanding about the human condition across time and place. The success of PMC Journal Backfiles Digitization—including the interdisciplinary teamwork and partnerships underpinning it—provides a blueprint for future efforts to make the globally appreciated collections of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) accessible to all. By continuing to prioritize open access, teamwork, and partnerships, NLM and likeminded institutions can ensure that knowledge and data inform the advancement of medicine and public health.