MEDLARS (also known as MEDLARS-MEDLINE Information System, Information System, MEDLARS-MEDLINE): A computerized biomedical bibliographic storage and retrieval system operated by the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. MEDLARS stands for Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, which was first introduced in 1964 and

NIH MeSH · D008523Information Science

MEDLARS

Also known asMEDLARS-MEDLINE Information System · Information System, MEDLARS-MEDLINE · MEDLARS MEDLINE Information System · System, MEDLARS-MEDLINE Information · Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System

Definition

A computerized biomedical bibliographic storage and retrieval system operated by the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. MEDLARS stands for Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, which was first introduced in 1964 and evolved into an online system in 1971 called MEDLINE (MEDLARS Online). As other online databases were developed, MEDLARS became the name of the entire NLM information system while MEDLINE became the name of the premier database. MEDLARS was used to produce the former printed Cumulated Index Medicus, and the printed monthly Index Medicus, until that publication ceased in December 2004.

MeSH classification

  • L01.313.500.750.280.710
  • L01.313.500.750.300.710

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Related concepts

Data Mining

Use of sophisticated analysis tools to sort through, organize, examine, and combine large sets of information.

Data Warehousing

A system for storing electronic data derived from various sources.

Grateful Med

A microcomputer-based software package providing a user-friendly interface to the MEDLARS system of the National Library of Medicine.

Health Information Interoperability

Automatic and seamless exchange or cross-talk across HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

Information Storage and Retrieval

Organized activities related to the storage, location, search, and retrieval of information.

MEDLINE

The premier bibliographic database of the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. MEDLINE® (MEDLARS Online) is the primary subset of PUBMED and can be…

MedlinePlus

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE service for health professionals and consumers. It links extensive information from the National Institutes of …

Common questions about MEDLARS

What does MEDLARS mean in medicine?
A computerized biomedical bibliographic storage and retrieval system operated by the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE. MEDLARS stands for Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, which was first introduced in 1964 and evolved into an online system in 1971 called MEDLINE (MEDLARS Online). As other online databases were developed, MEDLARS became the name of the entire NLM information system while MEDLINE became the name of the premier database. MEDLARS was used to produce the former printed Cumulated Index Medicus, and the printed monthly Index Medicus, until that publication ceased in December 2004. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is MEDLARS known by any other names?
Yes. MEDLARS is also referred to as MEDLARS-MEDLINE Information System, Information System, MEDLARS-MEDLINE, MEDLARS MEDLINE Information System, System, MEDLARS-MEDLINE Information in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does MEDLARS sit in the medical classification?
MEDLARS falls under the broader medical category "Information Science" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: L01.313.500.750.280.710, L01.313.500.750.300.710). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of MEDLARS?
For a plain-language explanation of MEDLARS - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about MEDLARS" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D008523) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗