Specialized Collections at NML

Rare Books collection

The Rare Books collection contains more than 1,500 volumes from the 16th to the 20th century, including 80 folio volumes. For highlights, see this guide.

History of Medicine collection

Norris Medical Library’s History of Medicine circulating collection holds more than 4,000 items including medical biographies and works on the history of diseases and medical institutions. This collection is shelved in the lower level of the library.

Leisure Reading collection

The Nelson J. Gilman Humanities Collection provides faculty, students and staff with books for leisure reading.  The collection is named in honor of Nelson Gilman, Director of the Norris Library from 1971 to 2000, who established the collection and was its first book selector. This collection is located on the west side of the lower level. 

Far West Medicine collection

The Far West Medicine collection contains more than 90 titles on the history of medicine in California and the west from the early 20th century. This collection is shelved in the Webb Room on the upper level.

Classics of Medicine collection

The Classics of Medicine collection includes more than 100 volumes of reprinted classic texts in fine leather-bound volumes. This collection is shelved in the Rare Book Room on the upper level.

Webb Ethnopharmacology collection

The Webb Ethnopharmacology collection originated with materials on Native American ethnopharmacology donated by Dr. John Webb, a professor at the USC School of Pharmacy. Since that time the collection has been supplemented by the purchase of newer materials on the topic. This collection is shelved in the Webb Room on the upper level.

Webb Memorial collection

Dr. Webb’s personal library includes works ranging from botany to travel, and an extensive collection of early to mid-20th century literature and poetry. It is also housed in the Webb Room.

Anatomical Models

A variety of prostate, breast, and male and female pelvic anatomical models are available for checkout to patrons if they request 48 hours in advance via email to medlib@usc.edu or by calling 323-442-1483. Patrons are required to bring a cart to transport the models to and from the library, and to schedule a time for when they will return the models to be checked in by our staff.

Human Skulls

Two human skulls are available for in-library study by patrons. Inquire at the loan desk. Faculty wishing to take skulls out of the building for class instruction, please arrange in advance by emailing medlib@usc.edu.