The library has been developed to provide high quality evidence e-based information on all aspects of public health.

It is designed for those working in the field of public health by providing a single source of access to web based evidence on public health. It was developed as part of the Department of Health Information and Intelligence Strategy by the North East Public Health Observatory. It replaces the Public Health Electronic Library (PHeL).

The National Library for Public Health does not contain patient information on individual medical conditions.