Page 126 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 6: Document Delivery Services and Online Services

Notes

Notes Here it should be noted that the term ‘information retrieval’ as commonly used
refers to systems and procedures for retrieval not of information but of documents that
may inform the users on the particular subject areas of interest to them.

Actually, most retrieval systems do not deliver the documents at all. Instead, they retrieve some
form of document surrogate such as full bibliographic citation or bibliographic citation plus the
abstract. In the USA among the pioneers of large scale bibliographic processing by the computer,
the National Library of Medicine, which launched MEDLARS service in 1963. It was the first
large scale system made available to the general public without any restriction. Even today it is
one of the most widely used service in the world. It became online during 1970 under the name
MEDLINE. In this way during 1970’s libraries made proper use of computers in various library
operations and launched local system successfully due to availability of improved computer
technology and collaboration between libraries and computer specialists.

The Chemical Abstract Service started by the American Chemical Society in 1907 became online
during 1967. Another important online retrieval system was the RECON (Remote Console)
system of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the several online services
available in the U.S.A. The largest is Lockheed’s DIALOG Service started in 1972.

There was revolutionary change in library co-operation and resource sharing as a result several
library networks like OCLC came into existence. The Online Computer Library Center
established in 1963 which became the pace-setter for many such library networks.
In UK the British Library offers an online information retrieval services with several data bases,
called BLAISE (British Library Automated Information Service). There are also over 140 computer
based international information systems in various disciplines and missions established on
co-operating basis by 36 UN organization and agencies within the conceptual framework of
UNISIST, many of them offering on-line information retrieval service also e.g. INIS, AGRIS,
Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS), Population Information System (POPINS),
International Patent Documentation Center (INPADOC) and so on.
From 1980’s the provision of “packaged” hardware and software system has come into practice
and also gained popularity for information storage and retrieval process and reference network
of the libraries and bibliographical information center.

Why Web-Based Library Service?

To save the precious time of the scientist
Availability of less number of library staff to carry out the library works and services
Less dependence upon the library staff for getting the required information
Location of laboratories/departments in different places in the campus

Instant and elaborate information requirements for R&D activities
Information for decision making in MIS

Multifold increase of the cost of books and journals
Availability of information in different places and also in different formats
Cut in library budget.

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