Changes to the NLM Data Distribution Program

Changes to the NLM Data Distribution Program. NLM Tech Bull. 2016 Nov-Dec;(413):b4.

To make National Library of Medicine (NLM) data easier to find, access, and use, we have recently made the following changes to the NLM Data Distribution program:

1. License Agreement for NLM Data discontinued: Effective October 1, 2016, NLM implemented a Terms and Conditions statement pertaining to the use and reuse of NLM datasets previously covered under the License Agreement for NLM Data. All existing licenses have been terminated and there will be no longer be an annual renewal. MEDLINE/PubMed data can now be accessed, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, from this page: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/download/pubmed_medline.html.
2. NLM Data Distribution Web content: The Data Distribution Web content was refreshed to reflect changes to the program and enhance usability. The new homepage is: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/download/data_distrib_main.html. Location for data files as well as documentation supporting those datasets are more visible and easier to navigate.
3. XML data distribution FTP location: To enhance efficiency, effective October 6, 2016, production and distribution of the MEDLINE/PubMed was assumed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). MEDLINE/PubMed Daily Update files as well as yearly MEDLINE/PubMed baseline files are now located at ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/updatefiles/ and ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/baseline/.
4. XML data content: On October 6, 2016, NLM began exporting publisher-supplied citations with the MedlineCitation Status attribute: Publisher. Future annual MEDLINE/PubMed baselines will contain citations in this status. This will include all records with the attribute Publisher (see: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/licensee/elements_descriptions.html#medlinecitation) with one exception: book and book chapters delivered from the NCBI Bookshelf are not distributed via the NLM FTP server. These records are available through the NLM API, E-utilities.

We welcome feedback regarding these changes. Any comments or questions can be sent to nlmdatadistrib@nlm.nih.gov.