Iranian Library of Medicine local computer network

In order to improve the status of biomedical communications in Iran, the Iranian Library of Medicine (ILM) embarked on a long term plan which also included computerization of certain functions of the Library. Implementation of this plan started by establishing an access node to the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) MEDLINE database, and was followed by the setting up of a computer‐communications network to provide local services, to allow several organizations to have simultaneous access to the NLM's databases, and to cater for accessing other databases available through U.S.‐based international computer networks. This paper considers the circumstances governing the design of the network, reports the progress so far achieved in the implementation of the plan, and describes major difficulties encountered. The resulting increase in the use of the services provided is also noted by presenting general statistics of MEDLINE use in the Region.