Page 108 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 5: Alerting and Bibliographic Services

purposes. For example, reference recorded on sheets of paper can serve only one purpose - Notes
providing a list of reference without any order. Records on cards or slips, with one reference per
card or slip, can serve several purposes. Abstracts can be added under each reference (if required)
and the cards can be arranged by subject, or author or chronologically, as required. However
this procedure to a great extent is overcome in the on-line searching.

5.5.5 Presentation of Results

To be most effective, presentation of search results, require as much skill and care as correctly
defining the subject and parameters of search. A search on behalf of a researcher will need
exhaustive treatment, and may need slanted abstracts confirming to the users need. Choice of
arrangements also depends on what the user needs. An indication should be given as to how
authoritative and how complete the bibliography is. The sources should be stated giving the
exact references.

!
Caution Since the ultimate aim to have user satisfaction, therefore user’s perception should
be kept in mind while presenting the information output.

5.5.6 Skills Needed

Expertise in literature search can be gained only by experience. Some attitudes or traits conducive
to a good literature search are:
imagination

flexibility
thoroughness of sources and subject (subject thoroughness means, the searcher should
completely understand the query pertaining to which literature is to be provided)
persistency

judgment in resolving contradictory information
accuracy in recording.
A basic knowledge in the field of search comes handy.

5.5.7 Database Services

Literature search which began as a logical extension of reference service, gained momentum
with the increasing tempo of research and developmental activities in Post-World War-II period.
The advent of computers and spectacular developments in the field of communication technology
in the 1960s brought about a drastic change in the information scene. Undoubtedly, the most
important phenomenon in the last two decades of the information industry has been the
emergence and popularity of machine-readable databases, particularly online databases. In fact,
databases can almost be said to have created the present information industry. Let us have a look
at some of these products.
Indexing and Abstracting Databases

The increasing tempo and complexity of information being generated was causing strain on the
resources and capabilities of these information communication systems. However the rapid
developments in the field of computer and communication technology have been a great help in

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