Informatics Publishing Limited

T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 InfoSoft Division Informatics (India) Pvt Ltd., Bangalore - 560 003, IN

Abstract

Computers, Internet and electronic publishing have begun to affect both personal and professional lives of most of us. Entire life cycle of information, from production, distribution and access are undergoing significant changes. The impact is being felt in all areas, be it education, research, entertainment, business or commerce. Libraries and librarians, traditionally vested with the responsibility of preserving and providing access to stored knowledge, and the users seem to be the most affected in the emerging digital information environment and know ledge society.

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T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, IN

Abstract

A major objective of the National Centre For Science Information is to provide Current Awareness to the science faculty members in Indian Universities and other educational institutions. Life Sciences, comprising Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry and related areas like Bioengineering, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences etc., is one of the major science disciplines for which N.C.S.I. is offering S.D.I. services. The weekly update tapes issued by Biosciences Information Service (BIOSIS), U.S.A., is input to the system. The service consists of a batch S.D.I. and an online search facility, software for which has been implemented on a minicomputer system dedicated to information handling. The paper describes the features of the microcomputer, input data base, user base and the search system, particularly the online search facility. It also deals with the system implementation and performance aspects.

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T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, IN

Abstract

Low cost, ease of use and accessibility of microcomputer systems will make it possible for the Libraries and Information units in India to solve many of their automation problems. Increased involvement of L&I workers in computer-related activities require suitably trained manpower. Realising the need for trained personnel to-handle the S.D.I. services, N.C.S.I. has started a one year training programme in computer based information handling for librarians, since 1984-85. Oriented more towards imparting practical training, the course aims to develop the necessary skills and confidence in the students to develop and maintain computer software for library automation and information retrieval.

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T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, IN

Abstract

Any improvements in profile construction and processing procedures can have a marked impact on the overall performance of a SDI system serving a large user base. N.C.S.I. provides SDI service to more than 2000 scientists using the tape updates of five major science databases. The system works on inverted files using strict Boolean logic. Although well developed procedures for profile construction are available, major problems lie in the identification of important concepts, deciding their relative importance and establishing their relations. With a view to identify more simplified procedures, an experiment was conducted using Quorum logic. Profile construction was found to be quite easy but no marked improvemnets in processing and retrieval effectiveness could be made. A study of the Fuzzy-set, Probabilistic and Vector retrieval models was made to identify their important findings which have a bearing on the SDI systems. Some of these findings have been used to improve profile construction procedures at: N.C.S.I. Through a refined profile form users now contribute significantly to proper formulation of profile information. 30 to 40% reduction in profile construction title has been observed. Possibilities of a refined Quorum logic system for SDI and other improvements in profile processing are indicated.

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T. B. Rajashekar ¹, K. T. Anuradha ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, IN

Abstract

The paper describes the steps NCSI undertook for designing a SDI information system using CA SEARCH database tapes produced by American Chemical Society. Actual design work was started after defining the objectives and the design environment. A bottom-up approach to design was adopted. Starting at the base level, a clear understanding of the format and contents of CA SEARCH was obtained. The design objectives were than encompassed by gradually moving upwards in the design work. The specific design steps are: analysis and definition of CA SEARCH format, study, of information content, decision on database access elements and search strategy, generating quantitative data for file design, file structure design, batch and online search system design. These steps were then followed by implementing the production system.

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P. Ganesan ¹, Francis Jayakanth ¹, T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560 012, IN

Abstract

Science Citation Index (SCI) is a key database used by the research community in Indian Institute of Science. As this database was not available for access on the campus network, its offline usage was sub-optimal. To improve its usage we developed a profile-based E-Mail alerting service called Citation Alert Service. Every time an update database disc is received, the system automatically delivers, to the E-Mail address of individual faculty, details of his/her recent research papers indexed in the update disc, and papers that are citing his/her publications. Key issues to be considered in the system design are unattended processing of the update disc, and E-Mail delivery of downloaded records. We discuss in detail the design and implementation aspects of the system. E-Mail offers a convenient, fast and in-expensive mode of operating profile-based alerting services.

Keywords

Science Citation Index, Citation Data Delivery, E-Mail Alert Service, Citation Alert Service.

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T. B. Rajashekar ¹

Affiliations
1 National Centre for Science Information (NCSI) Indian Institute of Science ,Bangalore 560 012, IN

Abstract

Automation in libraries is becoming increasingly common in recent years in India, particularly in corporate, R&D and higher education sectors. Although more and more libraries are introducing library automation, significantly large portion of libraries still follow manual processes. Potential market for library automation software, and library professionals who have a good understanding of library automation processes and practices, is thus quite large in the country. So, a book on library automation discussing current developments, principles, practices and trends is quite welcome.

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