DESIDOC: An Example of Paradigm Shift

Abstract

DESIDOC has made considerable efforts over the years towards collection development and database development to serve the large number of scientists/engineers working in various Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) labs/estts and top management at DRDO HQrs. The Defence Science Library (DSL) of DESIDOC has developed into a major information resource centre by way of over 2.39 lakh documents in its collection. For achieving the optimum use of LIS resources, a user-friendly library automation software, DeLAS, has been developed with six integrated modules: acquisition, cataloguing, OPAC, serial control, circulation control, and Web OPAC. The DSL has been regularly subscribing CD-ROM and online databases. DESIDOC has initiated a project 'Virtual Walkthrough for Defence Science Library.' It has two modules: Module 1—General Browsing—Through DRONA, users can take virtual tour of the DSL which is completely user interactive that means that user can take the tour at his own pace and Module 2—Guided Tour—complements the text-based search of the user for the books with an extended multimedia interface. DESIDOC made significant progress in the development of digital resources underlying digital library technologies that include: Full-text CD of Defence Science Journal (1950-2005); Patrika (Newspaper Clippings 2000-2005); DRDO Science Spectrum; Popular Science and Technology Series (13 books), Database of Photo Negatives of important events and so on. DESIDOC is bringing out a large number of regular and ad hoc special publications such as Defence Science Journal, Technology Focus, DRDO Newsletter and DRDO Samachar which have undergone various changes in terms of coverage, quality, and timeliness over the period of time. A large number of special publications are also brought out each year to meet the needs of DRDO HQrs and labs/estts. DESIDOC developed a large-sized ‘DRDO website’ providing information on key activities of the DRDO labs/estts, and technical directorates. This paper highlights some of the products created and services offered by DESIDOC to fulfill its vision of processing and dissemination of information to defence scientists.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dbit.26.2.3675