The Library is mainly a reference library in the field of Medical and Allied Sciences. It is open for consultation to the entire Medical, Paramedical and Allied Professions.

It has 3.6 lakh volumes of books, reports, bound volume of journals and other literature and adds about 3000 latest books and serials every year. It also subscribes to 2000 current periodicals. The library has good collection of 19th century literature. Books collection is divided into pre-1977 and 1977-onwards, and is classified according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme. Bound volumes of journals are divided into upto-1990 and post-1990.

NML is also the National Focal Point of HELLIS Network set up by WHO in Southeast Asia in 1982.