PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Libraries will support the Network of the National Library of
Medicine’s (NNLM) mission of advancing the progress of medicine and improving the public's health by
providing U.S. researchers, health professionals, public health workforce, educators, and the public with equal
access to biomedical and health information resources and data. Located within Charleston, South Carolina,
the MUSC Libraries will serve as the Regional Medical Library (RML) for the newly established Region 2 -
Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. Communities within this Region face several challenges related to the impact of health
inequities, poverty, natural disasters, and lack of access to broadband internet. RML staff will use a multi-
pronged approach to build and sustain positive working relationships with regional members that apply a
variety of communication and engagement strategies. The RML will provide members with alternative
pathways to engage with Region 2, NNLM, NNLM Office and Centers, and NLM missions. These alternative
pathways will include training, funding, engagement, and service opportunities. The RML will utilize data and
tools from a broad range of organizations (e.g., the National Area Health Education Center, Broadband Now,
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Rural
Health Association, and Office of Minority Health) to increase the capacity of collaborating organizations to
address issues related to assist members with meeting the information, access, and workforce needs of their
communities. The MUSC Libraries requests $4,875,000 (plus indirect costs) over a 5-year period (2021-2026)
to execute this program.