About the Library
The Library's primary mission is to serve the information needs of ADA members and support those of ADA staff. Limited services are available to non members.
The ADA Library exists to serve the information needs of ADA members and staff.
Collection
The Library contains an extensive collection of books and journals, covering all areas of dentistry and oral health, including clinical, research, practice management and historical topics. Our resources in other areas of health care are limited.
The Archives of the ADA are part of the Department of Library Services. Much of the archives and other historical resources are available to researchers for on-site use.
Services
A team of experienced library professionals responds to ADA member and staff information needs. Available services include reference assistance, book loans by mail, and copies of journal articles.
- Most books are available for 4-week loans.
- Most journals (over 600 current titles) are available in print only and non-circulating, but requested journal articles can be scanned and emailed to patrons, or photocopied and sent by mail.
- Our reference librarians welcome member calls on any dental subject. They can prepare a reference package of articles on research, clinical or practice management topics.
- Our archivist welcomes biographical and historical questions on dentistry from both members and the public.
Library Users
- ADA and ASDA members are encouraged to call the Library with their information needs or contact us by Web, email or fax. During our regular business hours, we also welcome onsite use by local or visiting members.
- ADA Affiliates (international members) can use all of the Library’s services except book loans.
- Nonmembers (primarily health professionals and libraries) may use some services at non-member rates. Requests for specific documents only. No online or reference services. Contact the Library by phone. On-site use is permitted.
- Patients should refer to the ADA’s Public Resources for most questions, but on-site library use is permitted for any person with appropriate information needs. Photocopies of JADA articles are available through the ADA Library for a fee.
History of the Library
The ADA Library was established in 1927 as the Department of Literary Research and continues to serve Association members and staff more than 80 years later. It has gone through several name changes and now is officially known as the Department of Library Services.
The Association began collecting books and journals from members as early as 1922. A librarian was one of only ten staff members employed at the ADA’s Central Office in Chicago in 1929.
The Library was responsible for the Index to Dental Literature from 1939 through 1999. The Index then ceased publication due to the overlap and growing prominence of the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database.
As the ADA moved its offices several times in the 20th century, the Library grew and occupied various spaces. It moved into its present quarters on the 6th floor of the renovated ADA Headquarters building in 2002.
Today the Library provides patrons with an experienced team of librarians, a comprehensive current collection, an online catalog, and electronic document delivery. In addition, the strong historical collection has been maintained and the Archives of the ADA are housed in the Library.
There are a number of historical artifacts on display, including Association gifts from other dental societies, a set of G.V. Black’s original histological slides, and various antique dental instruments. A visit to the Library is a staple of building tours offered to visiting ADA members and guests.
Hours
8:30am until 5:00pm (Central Time), Monday through Friday
The collection is available for onsite use during regular Library hours to all local and visiting ADA members, as well as to members of the public who have appropriate information needs.
For after-hours and weekend access, members can use email, the online journal request form, the online catalog, or PubMed/MEDLINE and Loansome Doc as appropriate.
Contacting the Library
Please be familiar with the available services and fees before contacting the ADA Library.
Department of Library Services
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611–2637
Toll-free member number, x2653
Direct number: 312-440-2653
Fax: 312-440–2774
Email: library@ada.org
