PubMed Central (PMC) Overview
Introduction
PubMed Central (PMC) is a free digital repository managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM). It serves as a comprehensive archive of full-text scholarly articles in the biomedical and life sciences, making these resources freely accessible to the global public.
Key Features
Content and Scope
PMC houses over 7.6 million full-text documents, including articles, manuscripts, and historical literature, dating back to the 1700s. The repository includes submissions from publishers, scholarly societies, author manuscript deposits, and preprint articles, all of which must adhere to strict peer-review policies and focus on biomedical and life sciences.
Accessibility and User Interface
PMC is designed to provide an enhanced user experience. Following a recent update in March 2022, the website features a reorganized homepage, easy-to-navigate help documentation, and a streamlined article display. This modernization aims to create a more accessible and consistent user interface across NLM literature databases, aligning with the new PubMed website design.
Search and Retrieval
PMC is integrated with the Entrez search and retrieval system, allowing users to discover, read, and build upon biomedical knowledge seamlessly. The repository uses an in-house indexing system aware of biological and medical terminology, ensuring accurate and relevant search results. Articles are linked to abstracts in PubMed and other NCBI databases, facilitating comprehensive research.
Related Resources Feature
A recent addition to PMC is the “Related Resources” feature, which includes three sections:
- Similar articles: Displays articles from PubMed that are closely related to the one being viewed.
- Cited by other articles: Shows articles that cite the current article.
- Links to NCBI databases: Provides links to related records in other NCBI databases.
This feature enhances the ability to explore related research and expand the scope of inquiry.
Data Management and Standards
Articles submitted to PMC are received in XML or SGML formats and converted to the NLM Archiving and Interchange DTD using XSLT. This process ensures standardization and error correction, with the original and converted forms archived. Graphics and multimedia files are also standardized and stored in a relational database.
Compliance and Policy
PMC is compliant with the NIH Public Access Policy, which requires that all research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) be made freely accessible within 12 months of publication. This policy has been in place since the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, marking a significant step in promoting open access to scientific research.
Functionality
- Full-Text Access: PMC provides free access to full-text articles, unlike PubMed, which primarily offers citations and abstracts.
- Interoperability: Articles in PMC are linked to other NCBI databases and can be accessed via the Entrez system, enhancing the discovery and utilization of biomedical literature.
- User Feedback and Updates: The platform encourages user feedback through a “Feedback” button and offers updates via an RSS feed, ensuring continuous improvement and modernization.
In summary, PubMed Central is a robust and evolving repository that not only archives a vast array of biomedical and life sciences literature but also enhances the accessibility, discoverability, and usability of this critical research through its advanced features and integration with other NCBI databases.