{"id":113,"date":"2018-07-02T12:46:34","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T12:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisp4.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&p=113"},"modified":"2018-07-30T12:18:59","modified_gmt":"2018-07-30T12:18:59","slug":"information-products","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/chapter\/information-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Information Products"},"content":{"raw":" \r\n\r\nI.\u00a0 <\/strong>Objectives<\/strong>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To understand the concept of information products\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To know about the importance of various types of information products, such as handbooks, newsletters, house journals, trade bulletins, technical digests, etc.;\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To know about the role of the information products in organizations.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\nII.\u00a0\u00a0 Learning Outcome\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAfter reading this module, you will be able to:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know the concept and meaning of information products,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Understand different types of information products,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Describe the content of information products.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know the objectives, types, features, etc of the various information products, and\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn about alternative information products.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIII.\u00a0\u00a0 Module Structure\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n1.\u00a0 Introduction\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0 Information Products: Concept and Definition\r\n\r\n2.1\u00a0 Types of Information Products\r\n\r\n2.2\u00a0 Content of Information Products\r\n\r\n2.2.1\u00a0 Content Extent\r\n\r\n2.2.2\u00a0 Technical Sophistication\r\n\r\n2.2.3\u00a0 Temporal Aspect\r\n\r\n2.2.4\u00a0 Information Quality and Accuracy\r\n\r\n2.2.5\u00a0 Degree of Invariability or Value Added\r\n\r\n2.2.6\u00a0 Editorial Qualities\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0 Newsletters\r\n\r\n3.1\u00a0 Types of Newsletters\r\n\r\n3.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions\r\n\r\n3.3\u00a0 Contents\r\n\r\n3.3.1\u00a0 R & D Organizations\r\n\r\n3.3.2\u00a0 Associations\r\n\r\n3.3.3\u00a0 Industrial Organizations\r\n\r\n3.4\u00a0 Frequency of Publication\r\n\r\n3.5\u00a0 Electronic Newsletters (E-Newsletter)\r\n\r\n3.5.1\u00a0 Advantages of E-Newsletters\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0 House Journals\r\n\r\n4.1\u00a0 Types of House Journals\r\n\r\n4.1.1\u00a0 Internal House Journals<\/span>\r\n\r\n4.1.2\u00a0 External House Journals<\/span>\r\n\r\n4.1.3\u00a0 Combination<\/span>\r\n\r\n4.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions<\/span>\r\n\r\n4.3\u00a0 Contents<\/span>\r\n\r\n4.4\u00a0 Characteristics of House Journals<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0 Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.1\u00a0 Features of Trade Bulletins<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.2\u00a0 Functions of Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3\u00a0 Sources of Trade Literature<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.1\u00a0 Advertisements and Announcements in Technical Journals and Trade Magazines<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.2\u00a0 Special Issues and Supplements of Journals<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.3\u00a0 Manufacturers\u2019 Catalogues<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.4\u00a0 Product Descriptions Supplied at Trade Fairs, etc.<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.5\u00a0 Directories of Products<\/span>\r\n\r\n5.3.6\u00a0 Websites and Trade Portals<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0 Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.1\u00a0 Purpose of Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.2\u00a0 Scope and Coverage<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3\u00a0 Types of Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.1\u00a0 General Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.2\u00a0 Statistical Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.3\u00a0 Historical Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.4\u00a0 Literary Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.5\u00a0 Subject Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n6.3.6\u00a0 Practical Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0 Manuals<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.1\u00a0 Scope of Manual<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.2\u00a0 Uses of Manual<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.3\u00a0 Types of Manuals<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.3.1\u00a0 Technical Manuals<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.3.2\u00a0 Procedural Manuals<\/span>\r\n\r\n7.3.3\u00a0 Laboratory Manuals<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0 Reviews<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.2\u00a0 Characteristics<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.3\u00a0 Types of Reviews<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.4\u00a0 Functions of Reviews<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.4.1\u00a0 Historical Functions<\/span>\r\n\r\n8.4.2\u00a0 Contemporary Functions<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.\u00a0 State-Of-The-Art Reports<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.2\u00a0 Characteristics<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.3\u00a0 Types<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.3.1\u00a0 State-of-the-art of Technology<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.3.2\u00a0 Market Reports<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.3.3\u00a0 Statistical Reports<\/span>\r\n\r\n9.4\u00a0 Functions<\/span>\r\n\r\n10.\u00a0 Trend Reports<\/span>\r\n\r\n10.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span>\r\n\r\n10.2\u00a0 Purpose<\/span>\r\n\r\n10.3\u00a0 Need<\/span>\r\n\r\n10.4\u00a0 Preparation of Trend Reports<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.\u00a0 Technical Digests<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.2\u00a0 Need<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.3\u00a0 Functions<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.4\u00a0 Categories of Technical Digests<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.4.1\u00a0 Top Management<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.4.2\u00a0 Middle Level Management<\/span>\r\n\r\n11.4.3\u00a0 Operator Level Professionals<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.\u00a0 Electronic Information Products<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.1\u00a0 CD-ROM Databases<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.2\u00a0 Library Databases<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.3\u00a0 Online Full-text Databases<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.3.1\u00a0 Electronic Books<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.3.2\u00a0 Electronic Journals<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4\u00a0 Bibliographic Databases<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.1\u00a0 Compendex<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.2\u00a0 Index Medicus<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.3\u00a0 INSPEC<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.4\u00a0 MathSciNet<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.5\u00a0 SciFinder Scholar<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.6\u00a0 Scopus<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.4.7\u00a0 Web of Science<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.5\u00a0 Other Electronic Information Products<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.5.1\u00a0 Online Newspapers<\/span>\r\n\r\n12.5.2\u00a0 Reference Sources as Information Products<\/span>\r\n\r\n13.\u00a0 Summary<\/span>\r\n\r\n14.\u00a0 References<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n1.\u00a0 Introduction\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Since the advent of Internet and personal computers, the society is experiencing a period called the Information Age. It is characterized by widespread access to information, including electronic access, and the ability to transmit data\/information rapidly using digital technology. Libraries and information centres acquire information from a huge assortment, process it, organize it, and make it available for use. The processed and systematically organized information results into a product which satisfies a want, or serves a need of a user. Information is a vital resource needed not only for socio-economic development but also for educational, scientific and industrial growth. Anthony Debons believed that \u201cinformation enfolds man physically and spiritually. It is the vehicle and\u00a0substance\u2026(and)\u2026is a resource\u2026for \u2026power.\u201d Therefore, this power inherent in information and information based products are given highest priority in industrially advanced countries.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2.\u00a0 Information Products: Concept and Definition\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

It is an acknowledged fact that in the post-industrial society, information has become coin of the realm. Information lies at the heart of teaching, learning, research and development. Similarly, information and knowledge are regarded as the most valuable assets for the business enterprises. By making use of this information, the business\/industrial houses and manufacturers create various information products to promote their own activities, products, processes, services, etc. Information product is any portion of information\/knowledge that has been recorded in some systematic way- whether that is in print format or audio or video format- so that it can be transmitted to others for use.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

According to Jennifer Tribe some of the most common information products are printed books and electronic books, booklets and special reports, manuals and workbooks, audio cassettes, CDs, or downloadable audio films, videotapes, DVDs, tele classes, subscription-based web sites, and so on. Information products are also sometimes referred to as \u201cdigital goods\u201d and \u201cknowledge-based goods\u201d. If it delivers information or knowledge and one can e-mail it to the customer, or offer it as a downloadable file, then it qualifies as an information product. Information products are also sometimes referred to as \u201cartefacts\u201d because they capture the idea that an information product is something left behind for future generations. Information products can also be delivered over the Internet and essentially provide information about a topic of sufficient interest to users to pay for the information contained therein.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

In order to create an information product, the product developer needs to know the following aspects in their right context:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Demand: There is need to know the demand, and create the product that people want to use.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Quality: People believe that there is only one kind of product, and it is high quality product.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Presentation: The presentation of the product does matter to the customers.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Follow-ups: \u00a0Information \u00a0product \u00a0should \u00a0not \u00a0be \u00a0very \u00a0expensive. \u00a0Therefore, \u00a0create \u00a0an information product that can be upgraded and follow-ups can be offered.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Once user demand is determined, the developer may venture into preparing an information product. Accordingly, information products may be defined as those that are prepared after selecting and acquiring suitable information sources. These are those products that originate from the information units of various organizations. Hence, the design and development of the information products involve such activities like selecting, acquiring, evaluating, analyzing, synthesizing, restructuring, packaging, repackaging, etc.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.1\u00a0 Types of Information Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

In order to meet different requirements of users, the library and information centre will prepare different types of information products. Saracevic has enumerated the following types of information products:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews: <\/strong>These include critical and state-of-the-art reports.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Reports: <\/strong>These include assessment, technical reports, market reports, alerting bulletins, newsletters, and house journals.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Data: <\/strong>This category includes data compilations and tables, statistical abstracts, correlations, composites, and critical data.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Databases: <\/strong>These include expert databases and subject knowledge bases.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Technical Writings: <\/strong>This type has in its fold guides, manuals, instruction sheets, explanations on a complex subject provided in a style and language geared toward a given audience level, popular articles on a scientific or technical topic.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Handbooks: <\/strong>These include compilations of essential data, and information on a subject.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Critical Studies: <\/strong>This type includes comparison of different practices or policies, or studies, and impact and future studies.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Requests: <\/strong>These include briefings, evaluative on-demand studies, and compilations.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n

It may be pertinent to mention that each of the above mentioned products has its own requirements, criteria, procedures, etc. For example, criteria and practices for reviews are quite different from those for technical writings.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2\u00a0 Content of Information Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Most of the information products are likely to require restructuring of synthesized information. Restructuring requires the determination of a mode and language in which the contents of information products will be presented to users.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.1\u00a0 Content Extent\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt implies the decision on the degree of detail with which a subject is treated, i.e., its depth, breadth, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.2\u00a0 Technical Sophistication\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt defines the technical level and understands ability of the contents of an information product.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.3\u00a0 Temporal Aspect\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt describes time dimension involved, i.e., immediate, or current, or retrospective period. It also describes about the frequency of issue of the information product.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.4\u00a0 Information Quality and Accuracy\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt explains the degree of known validity and reliability of information to be included.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.5\u00a0 Degree of Invariability or Value Added\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt defines the degree to which information is presented as contained in the original text\/s. It considers the degree of value added in terms of point of view, comparison, judgement, etc.<\/span>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n2.2.6\u00a0 Editorial Qualities\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt involves, among other aspects, style of presentation, grammar, syntax, clarity, crispness, coherence, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n

In the following paragraphs, we will describe some of the important information products brought out by various commercial, industrial, and other similar organizations to promote their own products, processes, services, etc.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n3.\u00a0 Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Newsletters have been with us for more than 500 years in one form or the other. The earlier newsletters or newssheets contained business news and news of other public interest. However, there has been rapid growth of newsletters, as sources of valuable information, during the twentieth century.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Seetharama defines a newsletter \u201cas a serial consisting of one or few pages, usually printed, and containing nascent information or news which is of interest to a special or particular group of users and which is published periodically.\u201d<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Newsletters are, therefore, periodical publications issued by various organizations, institutions, government departments, professional societies, trade and industry associations, etc. for providing speedy information to their members and subscribers. These are also issued by commercial and research organizations to make their users aware of the new products. Some organizations publish newsletters as a substitute to journals, and contain limited pages.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

According to online Encyclopaedia Britannica, a newsletter may be an \u201cinformal publication, often simple in format and crisp in style that provides special information, advice, opinions, and forecasts for a defined audience.\u201d<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Newsletters are ordinarily but not always issued regularly. For example, corporations issue newsletters for intercommunication with employees, while non-profit organizations issue them for their members.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n3.1\u00a0 Types of Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBased on the publishing organizations, newsletters may be categorized as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Research and Development Organizations\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Associations\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Government Organizations\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Public Sector Undertakings\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Private Institutions\r\n\r\nf.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Academic Institutions\r\n\r\ng.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 International Organizations\r\n\r\nh.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Autonomous Institutions, etc.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n3.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nNewsletters are prepared to fulfil the following objectives:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To publicize and promote products and services of the parent organization,\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To \u00a0announce \u00a0current \u00a0and \u00a0forthcoming \u00a0events \u00a0like \u00a0holding \u00a0of \u00a0conferences, \u00a0seminars, workshops, etc.,\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To communicate information about social and cultural activities, appointments, promotions, transfers, retirements, obituaries, etc. of the members and subscribers of the concerned organizations, and\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To publish timely and relevant activities of current interest.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n3.3\u00a0 Contents\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBased on the purpose, different newsletters cover different type of information as given below:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n3.3.1\u00a0 R & D Organizations\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIn their newsletters, these organizations include information about their programmes, grants and fellowships, awards and rewards, forthcoming seminars, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n3.3.2\u00a0 Associations\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Their newsletters publish information about President\u2019s or Secretary\u2019s report, announcements of association, employment news, personnel information, academic and\/or professional achievements, and other news of interest to their members.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n3.3.3\u00a0 Industrial Organizations\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

They publish newsletters for (a) internal circulation, and (b) external circulation. Newsletters for internal circulation have news about and for the employees, such as promotions, welfare measures, social and cultural activities of the employees, etc. Newsletters for external circulation cover information about new products, processes, and services, highlighting the achievements of the organization.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n3.4\u00a0 Frequency of Publication\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

The frequency of publication of newsletters varies according to their purpose, nature of information covered and the ambit of organizations. Some newsletters are published every week, while others are brought out fortnightly, or monthly, or bi-monthly, or quarterly, or half-yearly, or even yearly. At the same time, there are some newsletters which do not have any fixed date of publication.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n3.5\u00a0 Electronic Newsletters (E-Newsletter)\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Recent advances in computer and telecommunication technology have led to the development and application \u00a0of \u00a0computer \u00a0networks. \u00a0These, \u00a0in \u00a0turn, \u00a0have \u00a0helped \u00a0in \u00a0the \u00a0development \u00a0of \u00a0electronic\u00a0newsletters which are in use since the 1990s. Electronic newsletters are distributed through e-mail to those users who would willingly subscribe to them online. This method of sending the e-Newsletter is regarded as fast and cost effective. The e-Newsletters have gained rapid acceptance over printed format. The use of e-Newsletters is becoming quite popular for advertising the products and services in business and industry because no printing and mailing costs are involved.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n3.5.1\u00a0 Advantages of E-Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the advantages of e-Newsletters are identified as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0 These are convenient and delivered to the users at their work desk without delay.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0 E-Newsletters have timely information and real-time delivery.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0 These are informative and keep the users up-to-date.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0 Sometimes users forward e-Newsletters, if found useful, to friends and\/ or colleagues.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CSIR \u00a0News. \u00a0It \u00a0is \u00a0a \u00a0fortnightly \u00a0newsletter \u00a0published \u00a0by \u00a0the \u00a0National \u00a0Institute \u00a0of \u00a0Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), CSIR, New Delhi.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Financial Times Business Reports. These provide current market and industry news covering the areas of business and finance, energy, media and technology. These are accessible via FT PROFILE and DataStar.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.\u00a0 House Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

House journals have a long history. However, in recent times, the area of work of house journals has expanded many times in many directions to meet the demands of special interest groups.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

A house journal is defined as an internal publication produced by an organization in order to inform and entertain its employees and to generate better internal communication and relationships.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

House journals are serial publications like the newsletters, published by industrial and commercial organizations, corporations, business houses, public sector undertakings, and similar other organizations. These are meant for circulation among their customers, shareholders, employees, dealers, retailers, etc. to inform them about their products, performance, and other activities.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n4.1\u00a0 Types of House Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAll house journals can be categorized as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.1.1\u00a0 Internal House Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These are published for employees and members of the organization. These are primarily meant for internal circulation, and they inform about the welfare measures taken by the management for the employees.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

4.1.2\u00a0 External House Journals\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\nAn external house journal may be in the form of a standard technical journal, or a magazine, or a periodical catalogue. These journals are brought out for customers or potential customers of the organization and are meant for external circulation.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.1.3\u00a0 Combination\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSometimes house journal may be published as a combination of both internal and external wherein attempt is made to include features of both types of house journals.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the objectives and functions of house journals are as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To promote and enhance the image of the organization as well as that of management among its customers and employees,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To improve business and industrial relations,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To keep employees and customers in the picture, and\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To provide an objective news service.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.3\u00a0 Contents\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe contents of house journals vary with the type of house journals. However, some standard information to be included may be as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0 A message from the Head of the institution\/organization is a regular feature, usually on the topic of current interest.\r\n\r\nb. A brief editorial from the Editor of the house journal.\r\n\r\nc. Information \u00a0about \u00a0the \u00a0cultural \u00a0activities \u00a0related \u00a0to \u00a0the \u00a0organization, \u00a0like \u00a0sports \u00a0events, annual day, etc.\r\n\r\nd. Information about personnel changes, incentives, awards, rewards, bonuses, promotions, transfers, retirements, etc.\r\n\r\ne. Articles, features, stories, etc. by employees.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n4.4\u00a0 Characteristics of House Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the common characteristics of house journals are as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Produced \u00a0by \u00a0organizations \u00a0for \u00a0enhancing \u00a0their \u00a0image \u00a0and \u00a0promoting \u00a0the \u00a0products \u00a0and services.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Distributed free to the employees and potential customers.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Printed on good quality paper and are usually made attractive.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0 Usually carry no advertisements.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vimanika. A monthly house journal published by Air India, Mumbai.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DRDO Newsletter. A monthly house bulletin published by DRDO, DESIDOC, New Delhi.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n5.\u00a0 Trade Literature (Bulletins)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n

Trade literature is a generic term which includes trade bulletins and catalogues, etc. It may be defined as \u201ccatalogue and other advertising or promotional material distributed by business firm usually free of charge.\u201d It is regarded as an important source of information, brought our periodically, especially one published by an organization or society. Trade bulletins and trade catalogues are printed materials published by manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing firms. They promote sales by making claims about product attributes, give instructions in using \u00a0products, include detail descriptions of sale products, and so on. Trade literature is prepared for almost every kind of material, product, or service including books, chemicals, drugs, household goods, heavy machinery and such like instruments.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Book lists and catalogues issued by booksellers were probably the earliest trade catalogues brought out in the sixteenth century. Later, with the expansion in trade, commerce, and consumption, trade catalogues started appearing in the 18th century. \u2018Trade catalogue derives from the expression to the trade\u2019 and the materials were originally produced by manufacturers and wholesalers for their salesmen to market to retailers.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.1\u00a0 Features of Trade Bulletins\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Trade literature (bulletins, catalogues, etc. includes printed documents, usually illustrated, of items offered for sale. It appears in a variety of format, size, type and information, ranging from small pamphlets, or leaflets, to oversized folios of several hundred pages. Trade literature in its various forms, may include hundreds of products of a single manufacturer or many products of many manufacturers.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the features common to all types of trade\/product bulletins, trade catalogues, etc. may be as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They provide such valuable information about a product, equipment, a process, or a service that does not appear elsewhere.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The amount of information provided varies considerably, so much so that it may range from a single page to several hundred pages.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The information provided is generally supported by various types of illustrations, diagrams, charts, etc.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Since new products, processes and services are being developed on continuous basis, these bulletins and catalogues become outdated soon, and need to be updated regularly.\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trade literature is generally available without any charges.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n5.2\u00a0 Functions of Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the important functions of trade and product bulletins may be as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These bulletins are published to promote the sale of the various types of products, etc.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Useful source of valuable information for scientists, engineers, medical practitioners, etc.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trade literature contains product description, application, installation instructions, operation characteristics, maintenance procedures, etc.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helpful in comparing similar products or processes available from different manufacturers.\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These serve as useful guide to names and addresses of the manufacturers, dealers, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3\u00a0 Sources of Trade Literature<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe sources of information for trade literature are identified as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.1\u00a0 Advertisements and Announcements in Technical Journals and Trade Magazines\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Technical journals and trade magazines published by various industrial houses, manufacturers, etc carry, in addition to articles, some advertisements and announcements about new industrial products, processes, equipments, etc. These advertisements and announcements are very helpful to those buyers who may be interested in a particular product for their use.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.2\u00a0 Special Issues and Supplements of Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

There are some technical journals which bring out special issues to mark some occasions. These special issues and supplements carry directory type information which is considered useful for the potential buyers.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.3\u00a0 Manufacturers\u2019 Catalogues\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These catalogues include significant technical information and other important data about the products offered by the manufacturers. These catalogues reach the probable buyers through the dealers of the companies.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.4\u00a0 Product Descriptions Supplied at Trade Fairs, etc.\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Invariably, manufacturers display their products, equipment, etc. at fairs, exhibitions, conventions, conferences, etc. organized by societies, associations, etc. They also distribute their catalogues, brochures, etc, to make the participants aware of new equipment, products, etc., who may be prospective buyers.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.5\u00a0 Directories of Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These directories are issued by independent publishers from time to time. These contain useful information about various companies and their industrial or scientific products. These publications are helpful in knowing about the profiles, products, and services of different companies across the world. These are generally arranged under different categories of products and services.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n5.3.6\u00a0 Websites and Trade Portals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

In the days of computers and Internet, manufacturers of various equipment, products, etc. have got a good opportunity to reach out to their real and prospective customers around the globe. The manufacturing industries and companies have made their catalogues and bulletins available online which can be accessed by the interested parties. These days a large number of business to business portals, usually known as B2B portals, are offering useful information about industrial equipment and other products, sometimes with their images. In India also TradePortalofIndia.Com (http:\/\/www.tradeportalofindia.com<\/a>), IndiaMart.com (http:\/\/www.indiamart.com<\/a>), etc. offer wide ranges of business promotion opportunities.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

In the paragraphs given above are discussed some information products which are produced by the manufacturers of various equipment, products, materials, services, etc. We will now discuss about\u00a0some more products which are prepared after consolidating information obtained from various sources. Information, no doubt, has been recognized as a vital source of social and economic significance, an important component of social change, economic growth, scientific and technological development. However, it has been observed that information is not smoothly transferred to the users the way want it. Alvin Toffler, while rightly feeling the pulse of people stated in his The Third Wave that\u201c\u2026many people feel cut off because the very packages in which information arrives are unfamiliar\u2026.\u201dFor efficient use of information the users need information in a format and language that is readable and understandable. Therefore, the actual and potential users require consolidated and repackaged information ready for use. These are described in the following pages.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.\u00a0 Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

A handbook is a book giving information such as facts on a particular subject, or instructions for operating a machine. It is a comprehensive and handy work on a particular topic for practitioners, structured for quick reference. The term \u2018handbook\u2019 is derived from the German word \u2018handbach\u2019 meaning a small book or a treatise giving useful facts. It is called handbook because it is usually convenient to be held in the hands of the users. It is a ready reference source the relevant portions of which are consulted at the time of need.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Louis Shores defined a handbook as: \u201cA reference book of miscellaneous facts and figures on one or many subjects assembled for ready use, in response to popular interest or to a specific need for concise, handy information\u201d.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nWilliam Katz defined a handbook as \u201ca collection of a miscellaneous group of facts centred on one theme or subject area.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n

Many organizations, centres, and other institutions have been preparing handbooks since a long time. A handbook, therefore, may deal with any topic, and is generally a compendium of information in a particular field or about a particular technique.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Professional organizations also prepare a variety of handbooks meant for different types of users, such as technical personnel, industrial workers, office staff, and so on.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n6.1\u00a0 Purpose of Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

According to Katz, the basic purpose of handbooks is to serve as ready reference source for a given field of knowledge. Handbooks lay emphasis on established knowledge rather than on recent advances, although in the field of science, handbooks that are more than a few years old may not be of much use. They primarily give information about facts to know and instructions to do.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n6.2\u00a0 Scope and Coverage\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMost handbooks have limited scope. However, they may include the following in their scope and coverage.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide facts, figures and themes of a specific area.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No emphasis on newer ideas and current developments.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Help in understanding the subject.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prepared with the assumption that users have some background knowledge about the subject covered.<\/span>\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide sources for the facts and figures included.<\/span>\r\n\r\nf.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give instructions on how to serve as guides to occupations, hobbies, art forms, etc.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3\u00a0 Types of Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

There are a large number of handbooks being published on different subjects. However, these can be categorized in the following types:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.1\u00a0 General Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

General handbooks include information to satisfy the interests of people at large. These handbooks are arranged subject wise with a detailed index for easy location of various topics and sub-topics.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Guinness World Records, 2014. London: Guinness World Record. Annual since 1955.\r\n\r\nIt provides ultimate record-breading facts and includes new and updated records with new photographs.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Awards, Honours and Prizes. 11th ed., by Gita Siegman. Detroit: Gale Research, 1995-96. 2 volumes.\r\n

It includes information about awards, honours and prizes in a wide range of fields including Canadian, American and international awards.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.2\u00a0 Statistical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Statistical handbooks are generally published by government departments of various countries. These provide information on every aspect in statistical form, hence useful source of information for social scientists, researchers, and academicians.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Statistical Yearbook of the United Nations. New York: United Nations Statistical Office.\r\n\r\nAnnual.\r\n\r\nIt \u00a0provides \u00a0a \u00a0summary \u00a0of \u00a0international \u00a0data \u00a0for \u00a0various \u00a0countries \u00a0of \u00a0the \u00a0world \u00a0about education, science and technology, culture, book production, etc.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 International \u00a0Historical \u00a0Statistics: \u00a0Europe, \u00a01750-2005, \u00a0by \u00a0Brian \u00a0R. \u00a0Mitchel. \u00a0latest \u00a0ed.\r\n\r\nLondon: Palgrave, 2007.\r\n\r\nIt \u00a0is \u00a0most \u00a0authoritative \u00a0collection \u00a0of \u00a0data \u00a0available \u00a0on \u00a0almost \u00a0every \u00a0aspect \u00a0covering agriculture, climate, population, education, industry, labour force, trade, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.3\u00a0 Historical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These types of handbooks are useful in answering queries regarding events, dates, discoveries, etc. in history. These also provide information regarding achievements in literature, music, art, science and technology, etc. during a particular year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The People\u2019s Chronology: A Year by Year Record of Human Events form Pre-History to the Present, by James Trager. Rev and updateded. New York: Owlet, 1994.\r\n\r\nIt has been updated through 1993; the ever popular chronology presents more than 35,000 events. It is augmented by a complete index of names.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Time Tables of History: A Horizontal Linkage of People and Events, by Bernard Grun.\r\n\r\n4th rev. ed. New York: Touchstone, 2005.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.4\u00a0 Literary Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThese handbooks are useful in getting information of ready reference queries about literature, literary works, literary characters, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Oxford Companion to American Literature, by James D. Hart and Phillip Leininger. 6th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIt is unparalleled guide to America\u2019s literary culture providing information about the great authors. It is completely revised and updated in the light of new developments.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Cambridge Guide to English Literature, edited by Ian Ousby. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.\r\n\r\nThe revised edition provides literary information beyond UK and Ireland to include US, Canada, Africa, India, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.5\u00a0 Subject Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Subject handbooks have been prepared on almost all the subjects for the use of researchers and academicians.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples:\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Third \u00a0World \u00a0Economic \u00a0Handbook, \u00a0by \u00a0S. \u00a0Sinclair. \u00a02nd\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0ed. \u00a0London; \u00a0Euro \u00a0Monitor Publications, 1989.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Handbook of Special Librarianship and Information Work. Edited by A. Scammell. 7th \u00a0ed.\r\n\r\nLondon: ASLIB, 1997.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n6.3.6\u00a0 Practical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These handbooks provide information about specific instructions to make, to operate, to perform, etc. These are also known as instruction manuals. These handbooks are of various types as given below:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Family Health, First Aid Handbooks\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Home Maintenance Handbooks\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Etiquette and Manners Handbooks\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cooking Recipes Handbooks\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recreation, Handicrafts and Hobbies Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\nf.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Self-taught and Learn yourself handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\ng.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Equipment and Appliances Handbooks<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n7.\u00a0 Manuals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

A manual is a brief reference book dealing with a particular process, operation, mechanism, job instruction, etc. It is regarded as a comprehensive step-by-step guide to a particular topic both for beginners and practitioners. It is essentially an instruction book which instructs how to do something with clear directions. It usually accompanies a technical device and explains how to install or operate it. Therefore, it means how a certain thing happens, or how a particular job should be done. However, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish it from an average handbook, as observed by Katz.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n7.1\u00a0 Scope of Manual\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

A manual has a limited scope, and usually it focuses on a specific area of interest. According to Katz, its particular value is its depth of information in a narrow field of knowledge.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n7.2\u00a0 Uses of Manual\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the uses of a typical manual are as under:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It provides instructions to users on the uses of equipment, or appliances, or software, etc.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It gives directions to users\u2019 representatives on how to instruct their employees about the use of various machines and other equipment.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It provides instructions to management, supporting or helping staff on the use of equipment, or procedures.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It gives instructions to other departments or organizations on how to liaise their operations with yours.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n7.3\u00a0 Types of Manuals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIn the present day world many types of manuals are available. They can be grouped according to the various jobs they are meant to perform.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n7.3.1\u00a0 Technical Manuals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

A technical manual describes equipment, or a process, or software, or a mechanical device. It contains instructions for its installation, about its operation, maintenance, or repair of any technical device.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n7.3.2\u00a0 Procedural Manuals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

This category of manuals deals with established procedures and working practices in an organization. The procedural manuals are helpful to the managers in carrying out their work in methodical manner.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

7.3.3\u00a0 Laboratory Manuals<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\nThe category of laboratory manuals describes how the users can perform experiments and give information about the concerned equipment, procedures, installing software, testing techniques, etc.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Haynes Owner\u2019s Workshop Manuals. England: Haynes Publishing Group, 1960.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. By Kate L. Turabian. 7th ed.\r\n\r\nChicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n8.\u00a0 Reviews\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

There is influx of ideas and deluge of ideas in the modern society. Access to information has become difficult because of increasing volume of primary information in various subject fields. Again, information produced by subject specialists is not easy to understand because of the use of technical terminology. Attempts have been made to find solution to such problems coming in the way of access and use of valuable information. For instance, efforts have been made to find solution in bibliographical control and organization through indexing and abstracting of information. But many information related problems still remained unaddressed solutions of which was found through other means.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

The users require information packaged in a language, form and manner which is easily understandable giving a clear picture of the latest developments in a subject. This and other related aims were achieved through reviews.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n8.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Saracevic and Wood have defined a review as \u201ca critical synthesis of the state of knowledge in a given subject or topic; it is a critical examination of information and literature on a subject or topic accommodated in its broader framework.\u201d<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nAccording to Guha a review is a \u201cnarrative account of the progress of a particular field of study, prepared by an expert in the field.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n

Reviews are prepared by information selection, analysis, evaluation, restructuring and repackaging for satisfying information requirements of users working in a given subject field.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n8.2\u00a0 Characteristics\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nReviews have the following characteristics:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Integration: A review arranges each of the articles reviewed in a context and integrates them with the existing body of knowledge on that subject.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evaluation: Critical reviews are invariably evaluative in nature. While evaluating, the review sifts through the available literature, identifies significant items and in the process eliminates some of the primary documents considered not useful.\r\n

\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Compaction: it is usually estimated by determining (a) the average number of references cited per page of text, or (b) the ratio of the number of pages of primary documents to the\u00a0number of pages in the review document. However, the degree of compaction varies from subject to subject.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n8.3\u00a0 Types of Reviews\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThese reviews are of the following types:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bibliographic Reviews: This category of reviews is literature-oriented or bibliographic approach, wherein it selects and evaluates primary literature published on a subject within a defined period of time.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Instructional Reviews: This type of reviews follows subject-oriented or didactic approach. It focuses on a particular scientific or technical problem, and attempts to follow its solution.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Combination: There are some other reviews which combine the bibliographic and instructional role into one. In these reviews proportion of bibliographic or instructional type varies according to the aim and users for the reviews.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n8.4\u00a0 Functions of Reviews\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAccording to Woodward, reviews are prepared to perform the following functions:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n8.4.1\u00a0 Historical Functions\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThese are related to the development of a subject or topic, and are as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evaluation of the published literature on a subject by expert and selecting significant items only.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collation of information from various sources and putting in proper perspective.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Compaction of existing knowledge.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement of many scattered documents with one.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Identification of emerging discipline through reviews.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n8.4.2\u00a0 Contemporary Functions\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of these functions are as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Current \u00a0awareness \u00a0function \u00a0to \u00a0keep \u00a0the \u00a0individual \u00a0user \u00a0up \u00a0to \u00a0date \u00a0about \u00a0the \u00a0latest developments.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Most significant contributions are brought to the notice of the individual users through reviews.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews serve as the back up for other literature searches.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews are useful to students in knowing new subject, and experts in getting overview.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Critical reviews provide ideas for further research work in a given subject.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Annual Review of Information Science and Technology, 1966- . USA: Information Today Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Information Science. Annual.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advances in Solid State Physics, 1954- . Edited by Rolf Haug. New York: Springer. Annual.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n9.\u00a0 State-Of-The-Art Reports\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n

State-of-the-art reports are another important information consolidation product required by scientists and other researchers. These are the type of reviews which do not have an all encompassing scope. These lay emphasis on recency and up-to-dateness of a situation.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n9.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAccording to Saracevic and Wood: \u201cState-of-the-art report is a review concentrating on the most up to date information and literature in a given subject or topic.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n

State-of-the-art report is the highest level of development of a technique, or scientific field, etc achieved at a particular time. The aim of such reports is to describe a very recent situation, hence a current awareness source for a specific group of users.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n9.2\u00a0 Characteristics\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the general features are as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Completeness: It indicates the degree to which information and literature on a subject are covered.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Perspective: It involves the direction, purpose, subject orientation, etc in relation to a subject as well as a user group.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Analysis: It is with regard to depth and extent of analysis.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Synthesis: It is concerned with the degree of compactness and consolidation from various sources of information.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Value Addition: It is related to the requirements of the users as subject specialists.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Utility: It is the degree to which the state-of-the-art report serves multiple functions.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n9.3\u00a0 Types\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Saracevic and Wood stated that the state-of-the-art report is used mostly in relation to technological topics, and in business and commerce.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n9.3.1\u00a0 State-of-the-art of Technology\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

These reports summarize, compare and evaluate the advances, characteristics and\/or utilization of a given technological product or process. The scope and emphasis differ according to the technical and engineering aspects, use aspects, management aspects, and strategic aspects.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n9.3.2\u00a0 Market Reports\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Saracevic and Wood help the opinion that these reports usually summarize the state of an industry or a market in terms of its existence, financial strength, economics, profitability, growth, characteristics, trends, potential, etc. These reports can also be oriented toward different uses and clientele. Their main use is in market decision and planning, and so on.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

9.3.3\u00a0 Statistical Reports\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n

These reviews present statistical correlations in a wide variety of technical, market, demographic, scientific, and other areas. Such reviews are specifically composed and evaluated to show cross- dependence of trends, situations, and results. These may accompany any of the above mentioned state-of-the-art reports or issued as independent publications. These statistical reports are usually used for briefing decision makers.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n9.4\u00a0 Functions\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThese are given as follows:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peer Evaluation of Published Literature: Peer evaluation brings quality information and literature to the notice of the users.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides a continuing conceptual framework.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement of Primary Documents as the Written Record: This involves replacing of many scattered documents with only one document.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Identification of Emerging Specialists: This is carried out by bringing together various works in a review.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Direction of Research and Work: Reviews include various suggestions for further research work.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 State-of-the-Art Report on Technology for the Efficient Management of Geo-spatial 3D data on Commodity and Distributed Platform. EU Project. V-PLANET (IST- 2000- 28095). March 2002.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Information Technologies: State-of-the-Art and Imperatives for India, vol. II. New Delhi: TIFAC, Department of Science and Technology, 1993.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n10.\u00a0 Trend Reports\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Preparing trend reports is the practice of collecting information and attempting to spot a trend or pattern in the information. Trend reports usually furnish indicators of variations of control parameters against planned objectives. They provide a systematic outlook of latest developments and current research trends in a subject field during a specific period of time. The trend reports provide an insight about how a subject has performed during a particular period. These are usually prepared by information specialists with assistance from subject specialists, and written with help from technical writers to ensure an acceptable use of language, etc.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n10.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Gopinath stated that: \u201cA trend report is an exposition of a subject, giving an account of the general direction of research in the subject, based on a review of the documents on current developments.\u201d A trend report, therefore, would demonstrate the development of a subject in a certain direction.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

10.2\u00a0 Purpose\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nThe main purpose of trend reports is to briefly capture the major trends in a given area of research based on the analysis of literature on the given subject published during a given period of time.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n10.3\u00a0 Need\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

The present day scientists, academicians, and researchers are facing problems of rapid growth of information due to increasing number of available documents. The current awareness services being provided by the information specialists are not adequately meeting their needs. The trend reports, however, provide an overview of the recent developments and research trends in a particular subject. Trend reports are prepared to fulfil the following needs:<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help researchers to keep themselves aware of the latest developments in a given subject field. This will help them to know about the new areas of research.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help planners and decision makers to sponsor a research in a given area.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help students to make out an area of research.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n10.4\u00a0 Preparation of Trend Reports\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Preparation of trend reports is not an easy task; it is quite a time consuming and complex process. Earlier, the trend reports were prepared by subject specialists based on the documents available in their institution\u2019s library. It involved great deal of time and effort in reading, sifting, evaluating and selecting the documents to be included and then writing the report. In terms of intellectual effort involved in writing a trend report it was no less challenging than the original research work.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Meanwhile, new techniques of data collection and availability of electronic resources in the libraries and information centres have made it possible for library and information professionals to take up the task of preparing trend reports.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Library and information professionals have the necessary skills, knowledge and competence to analyze a subject in great depth. They can bring out the relation of the appropriate components of a subject in a helpful way. They can also view the subject of trend report in proper perspective of the development of subject in past, present and future. In recent times, some of the library and information professionals working in the environments of special libraries and information centres are also getting training in technical writing. It is helping them to equip themselves for editing, formatting, etc of the trend reports.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nHowever, library and information professionals ought to possess the following skills and qualifications for preparing a trend report in their institutions:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFamiliarity with different components of the subject on which trend report is to be prepared.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Proper rapport with the specialist users to find out subject approach and views on the subject of the trend report.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knowledge of the exact subject requirements of specialist users.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Good knowledge of different sources of information on the concerned subject from which material is to be collected.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Familiarity with technical writing skills and methods of compiling a trend report.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 IFLA Trend Report, 2014.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 World Bank. Trends in Developing Economies. Washington: World Bank, 1995.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n11.\u00a0 Technical Digests\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Technical digests are considered are considered important information products as source of information for managerial and technical workers in industrial, commercial, scientific and other such establishments. But the multi-dimensional growth of information relating to their needs has been making it difficult to keep them updated about the latest developments of new products, machinery, processes, techniques, etc. In order to meet their information requirements, a specialized service called technical digest service, has been prepared.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n11.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA digest is a summation or condensation of a body of published literature hence found useful for all types of researchers.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWebster\u2019s Third International Dictionary defines a digest as \u201cto compress a piece of literature or a body of information into a short summary form, containing essential core of the matter.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n

According to Guha, \u201cdigest is actually a fuller representation of a document, rewritten for a purpose or to suit the requirement of a different group of people, but intended to serve as a complete substitute for the original document.\u201d<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nSometimes the term digest is synonymously used with compendium of information collected from various sources and arranged systematically.\r\n\r\n \r\n

On the other hand, a technical digest is not as different from a digest, as defined above, except the coverage and scope of the subject. A technical digest includes in its scope primarily science and technology, but it is not limited to it only. It may also cover commerce, management, education, computers, and so on. It is, therefore, addressed to the defence, scientific, academic,industrial, and other communities.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n11.2\u00a0 Need\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

In industrial environment, technical digests are a useful source of information for managers, technical workers, etc. as they can get technical information on areas related to their occupation.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

In industrial set up, different categories of personnel and workers have different types of information needs. For example, managerial personnel require product-oriented information which may further be categorized as technical, commercial, marketing, and information relating to decision-making. On the other hand, technical workers require information on solving technical problems. Therefore, the contents of technical digests should also be structured according to their levels and needs so that the managers can save their time in decision-taking. These also help save time of other technical workers, and the information can be utilized more effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

11.3\u00a0 Functions\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTechnical digests are prepared to perform the following functions:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To keep various levels of personnel in the industry aware of the latest developments in their respective fields of interest.\r\n\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To provide timely and reliable information to keep users aware of the new developments taking place in their areas of specialization.\r\n\r\nc.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To propagate latest technical know-how.\r\n\r\nd.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To help solve technical problems by providing new ideas and information about processes in day to day working.\r\n\r\ne.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To serve as an efficient channel between research and production centres.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n11.4\u00a0 Categories of Technical Digests\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nKeeping in view the various levels and types of personnel working in industry, the technical digests are prepared for each of these categories.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n11.4.1\u00a0 Top Management\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe technical digests prepared for top management usually cover the following type of information:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Corporate management and planning,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finance,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Production,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Research and development,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Personnel,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sales,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Public relations.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n11.4.2\u00a0 Middle Level Management\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe\u00a0 technical\u00a0 digests meant\u00a0 for \u00a0middle\u00a0 level\u00a0 management\u00a0 may\u00a0 contain information about the following:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Enhancing utilization of installed capacity and resources,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 New production processes and techniques helpful in maximizing production,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Problem-solving and decision making.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n11.4.3\u00a0 Operator Level Professionals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFor operators and other workers, the digests should contain information which they can easily understand and put to use. These contain information regarding the following:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Solving day-to-day technical problems,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring modernization of existing production methods and techniques,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helping in small improvements in manufacturing and process techniques,\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Assisting in mechanization of existing work.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nExamples\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Technical Digest. Volume 32, 2013. Quarterly.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Management \u00a0Digest. \u00a0Hyderabad: \u00a0Small \u00a0Enterprises \u00a0National \u00a0Documentation \u00a0Centre.\r\n\r\nBimonthly.\r\n\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment. New Delhi: Tata Energy Research Institute. Quarterly.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n12.\u00a0 Electronic Information Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Electronic information products are provided in electronic form, and these include resources available on the Internet such as e-books e-journals, online database, CD-ROM databases and other computer\u2013based electronic networks. The first electronic information product emerged in the form of CD-ROM database during 1980.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

Internet\/Web information products emerged more than three decade ago. It has witnessed phenomenal growth as a medium preferred for information discovery and delivery and it is widely accepted as a major source of scholarly, scientific, commercial, and entertainment information. The variety of information available via the Web ranges from traditional, general reference sources to information contained in scholarly, government, and commercial sources. The Web allows accessing most types of information on the Internet through a browser. One of the main features of the Web is the ability to quickly link to other related information. The Web contains information beyond plain text, including sounds, images, and video. Web resources can be broadly grouped into two categories: internal and external. \u201cInternal\u201d Web resources are those created by the local library and exist on the library\u2019s own site. They tend to be navigational tools, pointing users to library services and administrative information or, occasionally, to digital content created by local libraries. With the advent of Internet and world wide web there had been proliferation of on line Information products besides CD-ROM data bases. A few of them detailed further.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.1\u00a0 CD-ROM Databases\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

The CD-ROMs, one type of the electronic information products, are increasingly becoming popular; their growth is increasing at an exponential rate. In the 1980s, UMI (University Microfilm International) was first to start producing CD-ROMs that stored databases of periodicals abstracts and indexes. Further, books, particularly in the field of computer science and general interest, also started being brought out in CD-ROMs. Most of the databases first appeared as CD-ROM databases. The CD-ROM databases are of immense value over print if the system is networked, as users, at their terminals, could access information without coming to the library. These databases are important tools for identifying the bibliographic details of potentially useful documents and ensure easy access to large volumes of literature for research.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.2\u00a0 Library Databases\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

The library uses the term \u2018database\u2019 to describe a searchable CD\/online resource. Using the databases provided by the library will help to find reliable information from trusted sources. It may be OPAC (Open Public Access Catalogue) or relevant Electronic Information Products downloaded\u00a0by library or subscribed by them online. Library databases provide the users with a well-sourced, efficient and exhaustive mine of information that can be used for research, curiosity or just for reading pleasure. Such online library databases are highly organized and classified into different database types in order to streamline search efforts. Library databases also contain more reliable information than what users find on some websites, primarily because the information library databases contain is sourced from experts and professionals.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n12.3\u00a0 Online Full-text Databases\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Online databases are the most effective way to provide access to electronic books\/journals primarily in university libraries through subscription to online databases which can be accessed through the internet. Online databases are a collection of electronic information products (e-journals\/e-books) prepared by publishers from various fields and disciplines.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.3.1\u00a0 Electronic Books\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

An eBook as a portable hardware and software system can display large quantity of readable textual information to the users and allows them to navigate through this information. eBooks are exactly like print or paper books except that they are bound electronically. eBooks come in a variety of formats as well. For example, they can be downloaded in .pdf, .html, plain text and rich text formats, and they can also be purchased in CD ROM and floppy disc formats. There are so many publishers (like Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, Oxford, etc) providing the products of eBooks. The eBook packages are also offered by the vendors and aggregators.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.3.2 Electronic Journals\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

An article full-text database enables to search through several of different magazines, journals and newspapers to find articles on a particular topic. Some of the articles are Full Text, which means users can read the entire article right there online; while in others the database will only provide with an abstract, or summary of the article. Still in other cases, the database will only provide a citation, which tells as to where one can find a print version of the article.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

An e-journal, like any other serial, is produced, published and distributed all over globe via electronic network. E-journals for all practical purposes may thus be defined as those journals which are available in electronic media; some may be available on CD-ROM; a few may be available only on online; some may be available both in electronic media and in print. McMillan defines E-journals as \"any serials, produced, published, and distributed nationally and internationally via electronic networks.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4\u00a0 Bibliographic Databases\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

A bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic records. It is an organized digital collection of references to published literature, including journal and newspaper articles, conference proceedings, reports, government and legal publications, patents, books, etc. The bibliographic records in these databases usually describe articles, conference papers, etc., rather than complete monographs, and they generally contain very rich subject descriptions in the form of keywords,\u00a0subject classification terms, or abstracts. Some of the bibliographic databases are briefly described as under:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.1\u00a0 Compendex\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Compendex, was first brought in printed format, and later its CD-ROM version started to bring out the\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0computerized\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0online\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0version\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0of\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0the Engineering\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Index.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0It\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0is\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0a comprehensive engineering bibliographic database which indexes scientific literature pertaining to engineering materials since 1884, compiled manually under the original title of Engineering Index. (Compendex it is now published by Elsevier, who purchased the parent company Engineering Information in 1998).The name Compendex stands for Computerized Engineering in DEX. Compendex currently contains over 15 million records and references from over 5,000 international sources including journals, conferences and trade publications. Approximately 1,000,000 new records are added to the database annually from over 190 disciplines and major specialties within the engineering field. Coverage is from 1969 to the present, and is updated on weekly basis.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.2\u00a0 Index Medicus\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Index Medicus (IM) was a comprehensive bibliographic index of scientific journal articles focusing on medical science fields, published from 1879 to 2004. It is now being brought out by the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM). In 2004, its print \u00a0publication \u00a0ceased. \u00a0In \u00a0one sense, Index\u00a0 \u00a0Medicus and Abridged\u00a0 \u00a0Index\u00a0 \u00a0Medicus still\u00a0 \u00a0exist\u00a0 \u00a0conceptually\u00a0 \u00a0as content curation services that curate MEDLINE content into search subsets or database views.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.3\u00a0 INSPEC\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Started in 1967, INSPEC is a major indexing database of scientific and technical literature, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and formerly by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), one of the IET's forerunners. INSPEC coverage is extensive in the fields of physics and computer, control, and mechanical engineering. Its subject coverage includes astronomy, electronics, communications, ergonomics, computers and computing, computer science, control engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, and physics. Primarily, the database covers journal articles and papers presented at conferences, significant books, technical reports, dissertations, etc. consisting of about 8 million records from more than 3,000 journals and about 2,000 conference proceedings, books and reports. It adds over 4,00,000 new records to the database annually.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.4\u00a0 MathSciNet\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

MathSciNet is an electronic publication offering access to searchable database of reviews, abstracts and bibliographic information for much of the mathematical sciences literature. Over 100,000 new items are added each year, most of them classified according to the Mathematics Subject Classification. Continuing in the tradition of the paper publication; Mathematical Reviews (MR), which was first published in 1940, over 40,000 reviews are added to the database each year. Extending the MR tradition, MathSciNet contains over two million items and over 1,000,000 direct links to original articles.<\/p>\r\n \r\n

12.4.5\u00a0 SciFinder Scholar\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n

SciFinder is a research tool that allows students, faculty, and scientists to access diverse research topics from many scientific disciplines, including biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, materials science, agricultural science, etc. It provides easy access to the rich and diverse scientific information contained in the CAS databases including Chemical Abstracts from 1907 onwards, and offers a variety of pathways to explore CAS databases as well as MEDLINE. SciFinder Scholar interface provides the most accurate and comprehensive chemical and related scientific information including journal articles and patents together in one source, substance data, chemical reactions, chemical regulatory data, chemical suppliers, biomedical literature. It has references from more than 10,000 currently published journals and patents from more than 59 patent authorities across globe.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.6\u00a0 Scopus\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Scopus is a bibliographic database containing abstracts and citations for academic journal articles. It covers nearly 21,000 titles from over 5,000 publishers, of which 20,000 are peer-reviewed journals in scientific, technical, medical, and social sciences (including arts and humanities). It is owned by Elsevier and is available online by subscription. Searches in Scopus incorporate searches of scientific web pages through Scirus, another Elsevier product, as well as patent databases. The publishers are careful in the choice of journals to be included in the database and maintain an open and transparent content coverage policy, regardless of publisher.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.4.7\u00a0 Web of Science\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

The Web of Science provides seamless access to current and retrospective multidisciplinary information from approximately 8,700 of the most prestigious, high impact research journals in the world. Web of Science also provides a unique search method and cited reference searching. With it, users can navigate forward, backward, and through the literature, searching all disciplines and time spans to uncover all the information relevant to their research. Users can also navigate to electronic full-text journal articles. It has access to the Science Citation Index (1900 to present), Social Sciences Citation Index (1956 to present), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (1975 to present), Index Chemicus (1993 to present), and Current Chemical Reactions (1986 to present).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.5\u00a0 Other Electronic Information Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Sometimes users assume that a library database is the same as a website, when, in fact, this is not so. Although a library database is accessed through Internet, yet the information found therein is actually reprinted from physical print sources. Another important difference between a library database and a website is that many of the texts that one finds on the library database are not available on the Internet. Because of this important difference, it follows that much of the information contained in a library database is composed by professionals or experts in their fields, while websites simply contain information from both expert as well as non-expert sources.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nSome of the other electronic information products are mentioned below:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n12.5.1\u00a0 Online Newspapers\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n

The online versions of many newspapers and magazines can give us additional information; hence these are becoming quite popular. The \"newspaper online\"(www.newspapers.com) in their online service provides the important national and international news stories as well as extensive financials news. Further they also offer news in multi-media form, i.e. charts and graphs, photos, audio and video clips. However, their services are more concentrated towards synthesizing news rather than as information solution for individuals. Also, www.netgazettes.com <\/a>gives a directory of web magazines. There are sites which refer to a collection of sites, often called search engines; for instance, the pathfinder (www.pathfinder.com) is both a search engine and a collection of websites. Almost all sites, herein are, however, affiliated to Time-Warner. Among the searchable sources, Time, Life, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, etc. are the few important magazines.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n12.5.2\u00a0\u00a0 Reference Sources as Information Products\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

Reference databases provide reference information (facts, statistics, background information) from many different print sources. Among the advantages of searching electronic sources on the Internet are that it is fast, readily available and mostly free. The Internet also allows us to search multiple sources at a time. There are a number of reference sources on the Internet. The Internet has information about libraries; it has dictionaries, encyclopaedias, almanacs, yearbooks, handbooks, manuals, directories, bibliographies, biographies, maps, charts, tables, etc.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n13.\u00a0 Summary\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n \r\n

This module explains the growth of information in recent times as a result of developments and discoveries in science and technology, agriculture, medicine, and even social sciences. Such growth of information has made it difficult for the scientists, academicians, researchers to keep track of the latest developments in the fields of their interests. Despite the fact that the research findings have been reported in various types of indexing and abstracting services, yet these too were found to be deficient in many cases. Besides, there are many organizations which provide various services, develop products, processes, techniques, etc but information about them could not be transmitted to the potential users for want of adequate information products in a language and format easily understandable and acceptable to them. As such the information products have been developing from compendium to condensed form such as the newsletters, house journals, trade bulletins, reviews, state-of-the-art reports, trend reports, technical digests, etc. Their need, features, functions, etc have been described to know about their benefits to the users. Further, the pace of development of information products from print to electronic format has been tremendous in recent times. Their use and popularity has necessitated designing and developing electronic\/computerized databases some of which are available online, and these too have been described for the benefit of the users.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n

14.\u00a0 References<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

    \r\n \t
  1. Atherton, Pauline. Handbook of Information Systems and Services. Paris: UNESCO, 1977.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Debons, Anthony. Information Science 101. USA: Scarecrow Press, 2008.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore. Information Analysis and Consolidation: Principles, Procedures and Products. edited by G. Bhattacharyya and M. Gopinath. Annual Seminar. 18. Bangalore: DRTC, 1981.<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Encyclopedia \u00a0Britannica,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a02008,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0online,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0available at http:\/\/dictionary.reference.com\/browse\/newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
  5. Guha, B. Documentation and Information: Services, Techniques and Systems. 2ndrev. ed. Calcutta: World Press, 1983.Reprinted 1999.<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. Katz, William A. Introduction to Reference Work. 8thed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.2 Volumes.<\/li>\r\n \t
  7. Kumar, P.S.G. Information Analysis, Repackaging, Consolidation and Information Retrieval. New Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2004.<\/li>\r\n \t
  8. Saracevic,T. \u201cProcesses and Problems in Information Consolidation\u201d. Information Processing & Management 22, no. 1 (1986): 45-60.<\/li>\r\n \t
  9. Saracevic, T. and Wood, J. B. Consolidation of Information: A Handbook on Evaluation, Restructuring and Repackaging of Scientific and Technical Information. Paris: UNESCO, 1981.<\/li>\r\n \t
  10. Seetharama, S. Information Consolidation and Repackaging: Framework, Methodology, Planning. New Delhi: EssEss Publications, 1997.<\/li>\r\n \t
  11. Sewa Singh. Information Analysis, Consolidation and Repackaging. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers, 2014.<\/li>\r\n \t
  12. Subramanyam, K. \u201cReview Literature\u201d. in Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, edited by Allen Kent. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1979. Volume 26, p. 461-74.<\/li>\r\n \t
  13. Tribe, Jennifer. www.juicedconsulting.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","rendered":"

     <\/p>\n

    I.\u00a0 <\/strong>Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To understand the concept of information products<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To know about the importance of various types of information products, such as handbooks, newsletters, house journals, trade bulletins, technical digests, etc.;<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To know about the role of the information products in organizations.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    II.\u00a0\u00a0 Learning Outcome\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    After reading this module, you will be able to:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know the concept and meaning of information products,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Understand different types of information products,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Describe the content of information products.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know the objectives, types, features, etc of the various information products, and<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn about alternative information products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    III.\u00a0\u00a0 Module Structure\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1.\u00a0 Introduction<\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0 Information Products: Concept and Definition<\/p>\n

    2.1\u00a0 Types of Information Products<\/p>\n

    2.2\u00a0 Content of Information Products<\/p>\n

    2.2.1\u00a0 Content Extent<\/p>\n

    2.2.2\u00a0 Technical Sophistication<\/p>\n

    2.2.3\u00a0 Temporal Aspect<\/p>\n

    2.2.4\u00a0 Information Quality and Accuracy<\/p>\n

    2.2.5\u00a0 Degree of Invariability or Value Added<\/p>\n

    2.2.6\u00a0 Editorial Qualities<\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0 Newsletters<\/p>\n

    3.1\u00a0 Types of Newsletters<\/p>\n

    3.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions<\/p>\n

    3.3\u00a0 Contents<\/p>\n

    3.3.1\u00a0 R & D Organizations<\/p>\n

    3.3.2\u00a0 Associations<\/p>\n

    3.3.3\u00a0 Industrial Organizations<\/p>\n

    3.4\u00a0 Frequency of Publication<\/p>\n

    3.5\u00a0 Electronic Newsletters (E-Newsletter)<\/p>\n

    3.5.1\u00a0 Advantages of E-Newsletters<\/p>\n

    4.\u00a0 House Journals<\/p>\n

    4.1\u00a0 Types of House Journals<\/p>\n

    4.1.1\u00a0 Internal House Journals<\/span><\/p>\n

    4.1.2\u00a0 External House Journals<\/span><\/p>\n

    4.1.3\u00a0 Combination<\/span><\/p>\n

    4.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions<\/span><\/p>\n

    4.3\u00a0 Contents<\/span><\/p>\n

    4.4\u00a0 Characteristics of House Journals<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.\u00a0 Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.1\u00a0 Features of Trade Bulletins<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.2\u00a0 Functions of Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3\u00a0 Sources of Trade Literature<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.1\u00a0 Advertisements and Announcements in Technical Journals and Trade Magazines<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.2\u00a0 Special Issues and Supplements of Journals<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.3\u00a0 Manufacturers\u2019 Catalogues<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.4\u00a0 Product Descriptions Supplied at Trade Fairs, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.5\u00a0 Directories of Products<\/span><\/p>\n

    5.3.6\u00a0 Websites and Trade Portals<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.\u00a0 Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.1\u00a0 Purpose of Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.2\u00a0 Scope and Coverage<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3\u00a0 Types of Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.1\u00a0 General Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.2\u00a0 Statistical Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.3\u00a0 Historical Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.4\u00a0 Literary Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.5\u00a0 Subject Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    6.3.6\u00a0 Practical Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.\u00a0 Manuals<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.1\u00a0 Scope of Manual<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.2\u00a0 Uses of Manual<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.3\u00a0 Types of Manuals<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.3.1\u00a0 Technical Manuals<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.3.2\u00a0 Procedural Manuals<\/span><\/p>\n

    7.3.3\u00a0 Laboratory Manuals<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.\u00a0 Reviews<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.2\u00a0 Characteristics<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.3\u00a0 Types of Reviews<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.4\u00a0 Functions of Reviews<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.4.1\u00a0 Historical Functions<\/span><\/p>\n

    8.4.2\u00a0 Contemporary Functions<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.\u00a0 State-Of-The-Art Reports<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.2\u00a0 Characteristics<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.3\u00a0 Types<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.3.1\u00a0 State-of-the-art of Technology<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.3.2\u00a0 Market Reports<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.3.3\u00a0 Statistical Reports<\/span><\/p>\n

    9.4\u00a0 Functions<\/span><\/p>\n

    10.\u00a0 Trend Reports<\/span><\/p>\n

    10.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span><\/p>\n

    10.2\u00a0 Purpose<\/span><\/p>\n

    10.3\u00a0 Need<\/span><\/p>\n

    10.4\u00a0 Preparation of Trend Reports<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.\u00a0 Technical Digests<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.1\u00a0 Definition<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.2\u00a0 Need<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.3\u00a0 Functions<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.4\u00a0 Categories of Technical Digests<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.4.1\u00a0 Top Management<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.4.2\u00a0 Middle Level Management<\/span><\/p>\n

    11.4.3\u00a0 Operator Level Professionals<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.\u00a0 Electronic Information Products<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.1\u00a0 CD-ROM Databases<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.2\u00a0 Library Databases<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.3\u00a0 Online Full-text Databases<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.3.1\u00a0 Electronic Books<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.3.2\u00a0 Electronic Journals<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4\u00a0 Bibliographic Databases<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.1\u00a0 Compendex<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.2\u00a0 Index Medicus<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.3\u00a0 INSPEC<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.4\u00a0 MathSciNet<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.5\u00a0 SciFinder Scholar<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.6\u00a0 Scopus<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.4.7\u00a0 Web of Science<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.5\u00a0 Other Electronic Information Products<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.5.1\u00a0 Online Newspapers<\/span><\/p>\n

    12.5.2\u00a0 Reference Sources as Information Products<\/span><\/p>\n

    13.\u00a0 Summary<\/span><\/p>\n

    14.\u00a0 References<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    1.\u00a0 Introduction\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Since the advent of Internet and personal computers, the society is experiencing a period called the Information Age. It is characterized by widespread access to information, including electronic access, and the ability to transmit data\/information rapidly using digital technology. Libraries and information centres acquire information from a huge assortment, process it, organize it, and make it available for use. The processed and systematically organized information results into a product which satisfies a want, or serves a need of a user. Information is a vital resource needed not only for socio-economic development but also for educational, scientific and industrial growth. Anthony Debons believed that \u201cinformation enfolds man physically and spiritually. It is the vehicle and\u00a0substance\u2026(and)\u2026is a resource\u2026for \u2026power.\u201d Therefore, this power inherent in information and information based products are given highest priority in industrially advanced countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0 Information Products: Concept and Definition\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It is an acknowledged fact that in the post-industrial society, information has become coin of the realm. Information lies at the heart of teaching, learning, research and development. Similarly, information and knowledge are regarded as the most valuable assets for the business enterprises. By making use of this information, the business\/industrial houses and manufacturers create various information products to promote their own activities, products, processes, services, etc. Information product is any portion of information\/knowledge that has been recorded in some systematic way- whether that is in print format or audio or video format- so that it can be transmitted to others for use.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Jennifer Tribe some of the most common information products are printed books and electronic books, booklets and special reports, manuals and workbooks, audio cassettes, CDs, or downloadable audio films, videotapes, DVDs, tele classes, subscription-based web sites, and so on. Information products are also sometimes referred to as \u201cdigital goods\u201d and \u201cknowledge-based goods\u201d. If it delivers information or knowledge and one can e-mail it to the customer, or offer it as a downloadable file, then it qualifies as an information product. Information products are also sometimes referred to as \u201cartefacts\u201d because they capture the idea that an information product is something left behind for future generations. Information products can also be delivered over the Internet and essentially provide information about a topic of sufficient interest to users to pay for the information contained therein.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In order to create an information product, the product developer needs to know the following aspects in their right context:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Demand: There is need to know the demand, and create the product that people want to use.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Quality: People believe that there is only one kind of product, and it is high quality product.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Presentation: The presentation of the product does matter to the customers.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Follow-ups: \u00a0Information \u00a0product \u00a0should \u00a0not \u00a0be \u00a0very \u00a0expensive. \u00a0Therefore, \u00a0create \u00a0an information product that can be upgraded and follow-ups can be offered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Once user demand is determined, the developer may venture into preparing an information product. Accordingly, information products may be defined as those that are prepared after selecting and acquiring suitable information sources. These are those products that originate from the information units of various organizations. Hence, the design and development of the information products involve such activities like selecting, acquiring, evaluating, analyzing, synthesizing, restructuring, packaging, repackaging, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.1\u00a0 Types of Information Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In order to meet different requirements of users, the library and information centre will prepare different types of information products. Saracevic has enumerated the following types of information products:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews: <\/strong>These include critical and state-of-the-art reports.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Reports: <\/strong>These include assessment, technical reports, market reports, alerting bulletins, newsletters, and house journals.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Data: <\/strong>This category includes data compilations and tables, statistical abstracts, correlations, composites, and critical data.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Databases: <\/strong>These include expert databases and subject knowledge bases.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Technical Writings: <\/strong>This type has in its fold guides, manuals, instruction sheets, explanations on a complex subject provided in a style and language geared toward a given audience level, popular articles on a scientific or technical topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Handbooks: <\/strong>These include compilations of essential data, and information on a subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Critical Studies: <\/strong>This type includes comparison of different practices or policies, or studies, and impact and future studies.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Requests: <\/strong>These include briefings, evaluative on-demand studies, and compilations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    It may be pertinent to mention that each of the above mentioned products has its own requirements, criteria, procedures, etc. For example, criteria and practices for reviews are quite different from those for technical writings.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2\u00a0 Content of Information Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Most of the information products are likely to require restructuring of synthesized information. Restructuring requires the determination of a mode and language in which the contents of information products will be presented to users.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.1\u00a0 Content Extent\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It implies the decision on the degree of detail with which a subject is treated, i.e., its depth, breadth, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.2\u00a0 Technical Sophistication\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It defines the technical level and understands ability of the contents of an information product.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.3\u00a0 Temporal Aspect\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It describes time dimension involved, i.e., immediate, or current, or retrospective period. It also describes about the frequency of issue of the information product.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.4\u00a0 Information Quality and Accuracy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It explains the degree of known validity and reliability of information to be included.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.5\u00a0 Degree of Invariability or Value Added\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It defines the degree to which information is presented as contained in the original text\/s. It considers the degree of value added in terms of point of view, comparison, judgement, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    2.2.6\u00a0 Editorial Qualities\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It involves, among other aspects, style of presentation, grammar, syntax, clarity, crispness, coherence, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the following paragraphs, we will describe some of the important information products brought out by various commercial, industrial, and other similar organizations to promote their own products, processes, services, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0 Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Newsletters have been with us for more than 500 years in one form or the other. The earlier newsletters or newssheets contained business news and news of other public interest. However, there has been rapid growth of newsletters, as sources of valuable information, during the twentieth century.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Seetharama defines a newsletter \u201cas a serial consisting of one or few pages, usually printed, and containing nascent information or news which is of interest to a special or particular group of users and which is published periodically.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Newsletters are, therefore, periodical publications issued by various organizations, institutions, government departments, professional societies, trade and industry associations, etc. for providing speedy information to their members and subscribers. These are also issued by commercial and research organizations to make their users aware of the new products. Some organizations publish newsletters as a substitute to journals, and contain limited pages.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to online Encyclopaedia Britannica, a newsletter may be an \u201cinformal publication, often simple in format and crisp in style that provides special information, advice, opinions, and forecasts for a defined audience.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Newsletters are ordinarily but not always issued regularly. For example, corporations issue newsletters for intercommunication with employees, while non-profit organizations issue them for their members.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.1\u00a0 Types of Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Based on the publishing organizations, newsletters may be categorized as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Research and Development Organizations<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Associations<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Government Organizations<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Public Sector Undertakings<\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Private Institutions<\/p>\n

    f.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Academic Institutions<\/p>\n

    g.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 International Organizations<\/p>\n

    h.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Autonomous Institutions, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    3.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Newsletters are prepared to fulfil the following objectives:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To publicize and promote products and services of the parent organization,<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To \u00a0announce \u00a0current \u00a0and \u00a0forthcoming \u00a0events \u00a0like \u00a0holding \u00a0of \u00a0conferences, \u00a0seminars, workshops, etc.,<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To communicate information about social and cultural activities, appointments, promotions, transfers, retirements, obituaries, etc. of the members and subscribers of the concerned organizations, and<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To publish timely and relevant activities of current interest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.3\u00a0 Contents\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Based on the purpose, different newsletters cover different type of information as given below:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.3.1\u00a0 R & D Organizations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In their newsletters, these organizations include information about their programmes, grants and fellowships, awards and rewards, forthcoming seminars, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.3.2\u00a0 Associations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Their newsletters publish information about President\u2019s or Secretary\u2019s report, announcements of association, employment news, personnel information, academic and\/or professional achievements, and other news of interest to their members.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.3.3\u00a0 Industrial Organizations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They publish newsletters for (a) internal circulation, and (b) external circulation. Newsletters for internal circulation have news about and for the employees, such as promotions, welfare measures, social and cultural activities of the employees, etc. Newsletters for external circulation cover information about new products, processes, and services, highlighting the achievements of the organization.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.4\u00a0 Frequency of Publication\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The frequency of publication of newsletters varies according to their purpose, nature of information covered and the ambit of organizations. Some newsletters are published every week, while others are brought out fortnightly, or monthly, or bi-monthly, or quarterly, or half-yearly, or even yearly. At the same time, there are some newsletters which do not have any fixed date of publication.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3.5\u00a0 Electronic Newsletters (E-Newsletter)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Recent advances in computer and telecommunication technology have led to the development and application \u00a0of \u00a0computer \u00a0networks. \u00a0These, \u00a0in \u00a0turn, \u00a0have \u00a0helped \u00a0in \u00a0the \u00a0development \u00a0of \u00a0electronic\u00a0newsletters which are in use since the 1990s. Electronic newsletters are distributed through e-mail to those users who would willingly subscribe to them online. This method of sending the e-Newsletter is regarded as fast and cost effective. The e-Newsletters have gained rapid acceptance over printed format. The use of e-Newsletters is becoming quite popular for advertising the products and services in business and industry because no printing and mailing costs are involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    3.5.1\u00a0 Advantages of E-Newsletters\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the advantages of e-Newsletters are identified as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0 These are convenient and delivered to the users at their work desk without delay.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0 E-Newsletters have timely information and real-time delivery.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0 These are informative and keep the users up-to-date.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0 Sometimes users forward e-Newsletters, if found useful, to friends and\/ or colleagues.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CSIR \u00a0News. \u00a0It \u00a0is \u00a0a \u00a0fortnightly \u00a0newsletter \u00a0published \u00a0by \u00a0the \u00a0National \u00a0Institute \u00a0of \u00a0Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), CSIR, New Delhi.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Financial Times Business Reports. These provide current market and industry news covering the areas of business and finance, energy, media and technology. These are accessible via FT PROFILE and DataStar.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.\u00a0 House Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    House journals have a long history. However, in recent times, the area of work of house journals has expanded many times in many directions to meet the demands of special interest groups.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A house journal is defined as an internal publication produced by an organization in order to inform and entertain its employees and to generate better internal communication and relationships.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    House journals are serial publications like the newsletters, published by industrial and commercial organizations, corporations, business houses, public sector undertakings, and similar other organizations. These are meant for circulation among their customers, shareholders, employees, dealers, retailers, etc. to inform them about their products, performance, and other activities.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.1\u00a0 Types of House Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    All house journals can be categorized as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.1.1\u00a0 Internal House Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These are published for employees and members of the organization. These are primarily meant for internal circulation, and they inform about the welfare measures taken by the management for the employees.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.1.2\u00a0 External House Journals\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    An external house journal may be in the form of a standard technical journal, or a magazine, or a periodical catalogue. These journals are brought out for customers or potential customers of the organization and are meant for external circulation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.1.3\u00a0 Combination\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sometimes house journal may be published as a combination of both internal and external wherein attempt is made to include features of both types of house journals.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.2\u00a0 Objectives and Functions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the objectives and functions of house journals are as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To promote and enhance the image of the organization as well as that of management among its customers and employees,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To improve business and industrial relations,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To keep employees and customers in the picture, and<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To provide an objective news service.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.3\u00a0 Contents\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The contents of house journals vary with the type of house journals. However, some standard information to be included may be as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0 A message from the Head of the institution\/organization is a regular feature, usually on the topic of current interest.<\/p>\n

    b. A brief editorial from the Editor of the house journal.<\/p>\n

    c. Information \u00a0about \u00a0the \u00a0cultural \u00a0activities \u00a0related \u00a0to \u00a0the \u00a0organization, \u00a0like \u00a0sports \u00a0events, annual day, etc.<\/p>\n

    d. Information about personnel changes, incentives, awards, rewards, bonuses, promotions, transfers, retirements, etc.<\/p>\n

    e. Articles, features, stories, etc. by employees.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    4.4\u00a0 Characteristics of House Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the common characteristics of house journals are as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Produced \u00a0by \u00a0organizations \u00a0for \u00a0enhancing \u00a0their \u00a0image \u00a0and \u00a0promoting \u00a0the \u00a0products \u00a0and services.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Distributed free to the employees and potential customers.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Printed on good quality paper and are usually made attractive.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0 Usually carry no advertisements.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vimanika. A monthly house journal published by Air India, Mumbai.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DRDO Newsletter. A monthly house bulletin published by DRDO, DESIDOC, New Delhi.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.\u00a0 Trade Literature (Bulletins)\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    Trade literature is a generic term which includes trade bulletins and catalogues, etc. It may be defined as \u201ccatalogue and other advertising or promotional material distributed by business firm usually free of charge.\u201d It is regarded as an important source of information, brought our periodically, especially one published by an organization or society. Trade bulletins and trade catalogues are printed materials published by manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing firms. They promote sales by making claims about product attributes, give instructions in using \u00a0products, include detail descriptions of sale products, and so on. Trade literature is prepared for almost every kind of material, product, or service including books, chemicals, drugs, household goods, heavy machinery and such like instruments.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Book lists and catalogues issued by booksellers were probably the earliest trade catalogues brought out in the sixteenth century. Later, with the expansion in trade, commerce, and consumption, trade catalogues started appearing in the 18th century. \u2018Trade catalogue derives from the expression to the trade\u2019 and the materials were originally produced by manufacturers and wholesalers for their salesmen to market to retailers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.1\u00a0 Features of Trade Bulletins\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Trade literature (bulletins, catalogues, etc. includes printed documents, usually illustrated, of items offered for sale. It appears in a variety of format, size, type and information, ranging from small pamphlets, or leaflets, to oversized folios of several hundred pages. Trade literature in its various forms, may include hundreds of products of a single manufacturer or many products of many manufacturers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the features common to all types of trade\/product bulletins, trade catalogues, etc. may be as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They provide such valuable information about a product, equipment, a process, or a service that does not appear elsewhere.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The amount of information provided varies considerably, so much so that it may range from a single page to several hundred pages.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The information provided is generally supported by various types of illustrations, diagrams, charts, etc.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Since new products, processes and services are being developed on continuous basis, these bulletins and catalogues become outdated soon, and need to be updated regularly.<\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trade literature is generally available without any charges.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.2\u00a0 Functions of Trade Literature (Bulletins)<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the important functions of trade and product bulletins may be as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These bulletins are published to promote the sale of the various types of products, etc.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Useful source of valuable information for scientists, engineers, medical practitioners, etc.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trade literature contains product description, application, installation instructions, operation characteristics, maintenance procedures, etc.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helpful in comparing similar products or processes available from different manufacturers.<\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These serve as useful guide to names and addresses of the manufacturers, dealers, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3\u00a0 Sources of Trade Literature<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    The sources of information for trade literature are identified as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.1\u00a0 Advertisements and Announcements in Technical Journals and Trade Magazines\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Technical journals and trade magazines published by various industrial houses, manufacturers, etc carry, in addition to articles, some advertisements and announcements about new industrial products, processes, equipments, etc. These advertisements and announcements are very helpful to those buyers who may be interested in a particular product for their use.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.2\u00a0 Special Issues and Supplements of Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There are some technical journals which bring out special issues to mark some occasions. These special issues and supplements carry directory type information which is considered useful for the potential buyers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.3\u00a0 Manufacturers\u2019 Catalogues\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These catalogues include significant technical information and other important data about the products offered by the manufacturers. These catalogues reach the probable buyers through the dealers of the companies.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.4\u00a0 Product Descriptions Supplied at Trade Fairs, etc.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Invariably, manufacturers display their products, equipment, etc. at fairs, exhibitions, conventions, conferences, etc. organized by societies, associations, etc. They also distribute their catalogues, brochures, etc, to make the participants aware of new equipment, products, etc., who may be prospective buyers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.5\u00a0 Directories of Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These directories are issued by independent publishers from time to time. These contain useful information about various companies and their industrial or scientific products. These publications are helpful in knowing about the profiles, products, and services of different companies across the world. These are generally arranged under different categories of products and services.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    5.3.6\u00a0 Websites and Trade Portals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the days of computers and Internet, manufacturers of various equipment, products, etc. have got a good opportunity to reach out to their real and prospective customers around the globe. The manufacturing industries and companies have made their catalogues and bulletins available online which can be accessed by the interested parties. These days a large number of business to business portals, usually known as B2B portals, are offering useful information about industrial equipment and other products, sometimes with their images. In India also TradePortalofIndia.Com (http:\/\/www.tradeportalofindia.com<\/a>), IndiaMart.com (http:\/\/www.indiamart.com<\/a>), etc. offer wide ranges of business promotion opportunities.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the paragraphs given above are discussed some information products which are produced by the manufacturers of various equipment, products, materials, services, etc. We will now discuss about\u00a0some more products which are prepared after consolidating information obtained from various sources. Information, no doubt, has been recognized as a vital source of social and economic significance, an important component of social change, economic growth, scientific and technological development. However, it has been observed that information is not smoothly transferred to the users the way want it. Alvin Toffler, while rightly feeling the pulse of people stated in his The Third Wave that\u201c\u2026many people feel cut off because the very packages in which information arrives are unfamiliar\u2026.\u201dFor efficient use of information the users need information in a format and language that is readable and understandable. Therefore, the actual and potential users require consolidated and repackaged information ready for use. These are described in the following pages.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    6.\u00a0 Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A handbook is a book giving information such as facts on a particular subject, or instructions for operating a machine. It is a comprehensive and handy work on a particular topic for practitioners, structured for quick reference. The term \u2018handbook\u2019 is derived from the German word \u2018handbach\u2019 meaning a small book or a treatise giving useful facts. It is called handbook because it is usually convenient to be held in the hands of the users. It is a ready reference source the relevant portions of which are consulted at the time of need.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Louis Shores defined a handbook as: \u201cA reference book of miscellaneous facts and figures on one or many subjects assembled for ready use, in response to popular interest or to a specific need for concise, handy information\u201d.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    William Katz defined a handbook as \u201ca collection of a miscellaneous group of facts centred on one theme or subject area.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Many organizations, centres, and other institutions have been preparing handbooks since a long time. A handbook, therefore, may deal with any topic, and is generally a compendium of information in a particular field or about a particular technique.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Professional organizations also prepare a variety of handbooks meant for different types of users, such as technical personnel, industrial workers, office staff, and so on.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.1\u00a0 Purpose of Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Katz, the basic purpose of handbooks is to serve as ready reference source for a given field of knowledge. Handbooks lay emphasis on established knowledge rather than on recent advances, although in the field of science, handbooks that are more than a few years old may not be of much use. They primarily give information about facts to know and instructions to do.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.2\u00a0 Scope and Coverage\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Most handbooks have limited scope. However, they may include the following in their scope and coverage.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide facts, figures and themes of a specific area.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No emphasis on newer ideas and current developments.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Help in understanding the subject.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prepared with the assumption that users have some background knowledge about the subject covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide sources for the facts and figures included.<\/span><\/p>\n

    f.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Give instructions on how to serve as guides to occupations, hobbies, art forms, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3\u00a0 Types of Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There are a large number of handbooks being published on different subjects. However, these can be categorized in the following types:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.1\u00a0 General Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    General handbooks include information to satisfy the interests of people at large. These handbooks are arranged subject wise with a detailed index for easy location of various topics and sub-topics.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Guinness World Records, 2014. London: Guinness World Record. Annual since 1955.<\/p>\n

    It provides ultimate record-breading facts and includes new and updated records with new photographs.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Awards, Honours and Prizes. 11th ed., by Gita Siegman. Detroit: Gale Research, 1995-96. 2 volumes.<\/p>\n

    It includes information about awards, honours and prizes in a wide range of fields including Canadian, American and international awards.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.2\u00a0 Statistical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Statistical handbooks are generally published by government departments of various countries. These provide information on every aspect in statistical form, hence useful source of information for social scientists, researchers, and academicians.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Statistical Yearbook of the United Nations. New York: United Nations Statistical Office.<\/p>\n

    Annual.<\/p>\n

    It \u00a0provides \u00a0a \u00a0summary \u00a0of \u00a0international \u00a0data \u00a0for \u00a0various \u00a0countries \u00a0of \u00a0the \u00a0world \u00a0about education, science and technology, culture, book production, etc.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 International \u00a0Historical \u00a0Statistics: \u00a0Europe, \u00a01750-2005, \u00a0by \u00a0Brian \u00a0R. \u00a0Mitchel. \u00a0latest \u00a0ed.<\/p>\n

    London: Palgrave, 2007.<\/p>\n

    It \u00a0is \u00a0most \u00a0authoritative \u00a0collection \u00a0of \u00a0data \u00a0available \u00a0on \u00a0almost \u00a0every \u00a0aspect \u00a0covering agriculture, climate, population, education, industry, labour force, trade, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.3\u00a0 Historical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These types of handbooks are useful in answering queries regarding events, dates, discoveries, etc. in history. These also provide information regarding achievements in literature, music, art, science and technology, etc. during a particular year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Examples:<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The People\u2019s Chronology: A Year by Year Record of Human Events form Pre-History to the Present, by James Trager. Rev and updateded. New York: Owlet, 1994.<\/p>\n

    It has been updated through 1993; the ever popular chronology presents more than 35,000 events. It is augmented by a complete index of names.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Time Tables of History: A Horizontal Linkage of People and Events, by Bernard Grun.<\/p>\n

    4th rev. ed. New York: Touchstone, 2005.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.4\u00a0 Literary Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These handbooks are useful in getting information of ready reference queries about literature, literary works, literary characters, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Oxford Companion to American Literature, by James D. Hart and Phillip Leininger. 6th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It is unparalleled guide to America\u2019s literary culture providing information about the great authors. It is completely revised and updated in the light of new developments.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Cambridge Guide to English Literature, edited by Ian Ousby. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.<\/p>\n

    The revised edition provides literary information beyond UK and Ireland to include US, Canada, Africa, India, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.5\u00a0 Subject Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Subject handbooks have been prepared on almost all the subjects for the use of researchers and academicians.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples:<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Third \u00a0World \u00a0Economic \u00a0Handbook, \u00a0by \u00a0S. \u00a0Sinclair. \u00a02nd\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0ed. \u00a0London; \u00a0Euro \u00a0Monitor Publications, 1989.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Handbook of Special Librarianship and Information Work. Edited by A. Scammell. 7th \u00a0ed.<\/p>\n

    London: ASLIB, 1997.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    6.3.6\u00a0 Practical Handbooks\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These handbooks provide information about specific instructions to make, to operate, to perform, etc. These are also known as instruction manuals. These handbooks are of various types as given below:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Family Health, First Aid Handbooks<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Home Maintenance Handbooks<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Etiquette and Manners Handbooks<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cooking Recipes Handbooks<\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recreation, Handicrafts and Hobbies Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    f.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Self-taught and Learn yourself handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n

    g.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Equipment and Appliances Handbooks<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    7.\u00a0 Manuals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A manual is a brief reference book dealing with a particular process, operation, mechanism, job instruction, etc. It is regarded as a comprehensive step-by-step guide to a particular topic both for beginners and practitioners. It is essentially an instruction book which instructs how to do something with clear directions. It usually accompanies a technical device and explains how to install or operate it. Therefore, it means how a certain thing happens, or how a particular job should be done. However, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish it from an average handbook, as observed by Katz.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.1\u00a0 Scope of Manual\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A manual has a limited scope, and usually it focuses on a specific area of interest. According to Katz, its particular value is its depth of information in a narrow field of knowledge.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.2\u00a0 Uses of Manual\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the uses of a typical manual are as under:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It provides instructions to users on the uses of equipment, or appliances, or software, etc.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It gives directions to users\u2019 representatives on how to instruct their employees about the use of various machines and other equipment.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It provides instructions to management, supporting or helping staff on the use of equipment, or procedures.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It gives instructions to other departments or organizations on how to liaise their operations with yours.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.3\u00a0 Types of Manuals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the present day world many types of manuals are available. They can be grouped according to the various jobs they are meant to perform.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.3.1\u00a0 Technical Manuals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A technical manual describes equipment, or a process, or software, or a mechanical device. It contains instructions for its installation, about its operation, maintenance, or repair of any technical device.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.3.2\u00a0 Procedural Manuals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This category of manuals deals with established procedures and working practices in an organization. The procedural manuals are helpful to the managers in carrying out their work in methodical manner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    7.3.3\u00a0 Laboratory Manuals<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    The category of laboratory manuals describes how the users can perform experiments and give information about the concerned equipment, procedures, installing software, testing techniques, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Haynes Owner\u2019s Workshop Manuals. England: Haynes Publishing Group, 1960.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations. By Kate L. Turabian. 7th ed.<\/p>\n

    Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.\u00a0 Reviews\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There is influx of ideas and deluge of ideas in the modern society. Access to information has become difficult because of increasing volume of primary information in various subject fields. Again, information produced by subject specialists is not easy to understand because of the use of technical terminology. Attempts have been made to find solution to such problems coming in the way of access and use of valuable information. For instance, efforts have been made to find solution in bibliographical control and organization through indexing and abstracting of information. But many information related problems still remained unaddressed solutions of which was found through other means.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The users require information packaged in a language, form and manner which is easily understandable giving a clear picture of the latest developments in a subject. This and other related aims were achieved through reviews.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Saracevic and Wood have defined a review as \u201ca critical synthesis of the state of knowledge in a given subject or topic; it is a critical examination of information and literature on a subject or topic accommodated in its broader framework.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Guha a review is a \u201cnarrative account of the progress of a particular field of study, prepared by an expert in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reviews are prepared by information selection, analysis, evaluation, restructuring and repackaging for satisfying information requirements of users working in a given subject field.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.2\u00a0 Characteristics\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reviews have the following characteristics:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Integration: A review arranges each of the articles reviewed in a context and integrates them with the existing body of knowledge on that subject.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evaluation: Critical reviews are invariably evaluative in nature. While evaluating, the review sifts through the available literature, identifies significant items and in the process eliminates some of the primary documents considered not useful.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Compaction: it is usually estimated by determining (a) the average number of references cited per page of text, or (b) the ratio of the number of pages of primary documents to the\u00a0number of pages in the review document. However, the degree of compaction varies from subject to subject.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    8.3\u00a0 Types of Reviews\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These reviews are of the following types:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bibliographic Reviews: This category of reviews is literature-oriented or bibliographic approach, wherein it selects and evaluates primary literature published on a subject within a defined period of time.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Instructional Reviews: This type of reviews follows subject-oriented or didactic approach. It focuses on a particular scientific or technical problem, and attempts to follow its solution.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Combination: There are some other reviews which combine the bibliographic and instructional role into one. In these reviews proportion of bibliographic or instructional type varies according to the aim and users for the reviews.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.4\u00a0 Functions of Reviews\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Woodward, reviews are prepared to perform the following functions:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.4.1\u00a0 Historical Functions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These are related to the development of a subject or topic, and are as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Evaluation of the published literature on a subject by expert and selecting significant items only.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collation of information from various sources and putting in proper perspective.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Compaction of existing knowledge.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement of many scattered documents with one.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Identification of emerging discipline through reviews.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    8.4.2\u00a0 Contemporary Functions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of these functions are as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Current \u00a0awareness \u00a0function \u00a0to \u00a0keep \u00a0the \u00a0individual \u00a0user \u00a0up \u00a0to \u00a0date \u00a0about \u00a0the \u00a0latest developments.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Most significant contributions are brought to the notice of the individual users through reviews.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews serve as the back up for other literature searches.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reviews are useful to students in knowing new subject, and experts in getting overview.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Critical reviews provide ideas for further research work in a given subject.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Annual Review of Information Science and Technology, 1966- . USA: Information Today Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Information Science. Annual.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advances in Solid State Physics, 1954- . Edited by Rolf Haug. New York: Springer. Annual.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.\u00a0 State-Of-The-Art Reports\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    State-of-the-art reports are another important information consolidation product required by scientists and other researchers. These are the type of reviews which do not have an all encompassing scope. These lay emphasis on recency and up-to-dateness of a situation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Saracevic and Wood: \u201cState-of-the-art report is a review concentrating on the most up to date information and literature in a given subject or topic.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    State-of-the-art report is the highest level of development of a technique, or scientific field, etc achieved at a particular time. The aim of such reports is to describe a very recent situation, hence a current awareness source for a specific group of users.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.2\u00a0 Characteristics\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the general features are as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Completeness: It indicates the degree to which information and literature on a subject are covered.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Perspective: It involves the direction, purpose, subject orientation, etc in relation to a subject as well as a user group.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Analysis: It is with regard to depth and extent of analysis.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Synthesis: It is concerned with the degree of compactness and consolidation from various sources of information.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Value Addition: It is related to the requirements of the users as subject specialists.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Utility: It is the degree to which the state-of-the-art report serves multiple functions.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.3\u00a0 Types\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Saracevic and Wood stated that the state-of-the-art report is used mostly in relation to technological topics, and in business and commerce.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.3.1\u00a0 State-of-the-art of Technology\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These reports summarize, compare and evaluate the advances, characteristics and\/or utilization of a given technological product or process. The scope and emphasis differ according to the technical and engineering aspects, use aspects, management aspects, and strategic aspects.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.3.2\u00a0 Market Reports\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Saracevic and Wood help the opinion that these reports usually summarize the state of an industry or a market in terms of its existence, financial strength, economics, profitability, growth, characteristics, trends, potential, etc. These reports can also be oriented toward different uses and clientele. Their main use is in market decision and planning, and so on.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.3.3\u00a0 Statistical Reports\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    These reviews present statistical correlations in a wide variety of technical, market, demographic, scientific, and other areas. Such reviews are specifically composed and evaluated to show cross- dependence of trends, situations, and results. These may accompany any of the above mentioned state-of-the-art reports or issued as independent publications. These statistical reports are usually used for briefing decision makers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    9.4\u00a0 Functions\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    These are given as follows:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peer Evaluation of Published Literature: Peer evaluation brings quality information and literature to the notice of the users.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides a continuing conceptual framework.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replacement of Primary Documents as the Written Record: This involves replacing of many scattered documents with only one document.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Identification of Emerging Specialists: This is carried out by bringing together various works in a review.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Direction of Research and Work: Reviews include various suggestions for further research work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 State-of-the-Art Report on Technology for the Efficient Management of Geo-spatial 3D data on Commodity and Distributed Platform. EU Project. V-PLANET (IST- 2000- 28095). March 2002.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Information Technologies: State-of-the-Art and Imperatives for India, vol. II. New Delhi: TIFAC, Department of Science and Technology, 1993.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    10.\u00a0 Trend Reports\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Preparing trend reports is the practice of collecting information and attempting to spot a trend or pattern in the information. Trend reports usually furnish indicators of variations of control parameters against planned objectives. They provide a systematic outlook of latest developments and current research trends in a subject field during a specific period of time. The trend reports provide an insight about how a subject has performed during a particular period. These are usually prepared by information specialists with assistance from subject specialists, and written with help from technical writers to ensure an acceptable use of language, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    10.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Gopinath stated that: \u201cA trend report is an exposition of a subject, giving an account of the general direction of research in the subject, based on a review of the documents on current developments.\u201d A trend report, therefore, would demonstrate the development of a subject in a certain direction.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    10.2\u00a0 Purpose\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The main purpose of trend reports is to briefly capture the major trends in a given area of research based on the analysis of literature on the given subject published during a given period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    10.3\u00a0 Need\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The present day scientists, academicians, and researchers are facing problems of rapid growth of information due to increasing number of available documents. The current awareness services being provided by the information specialists are not adequately meeting their needs. The trend reports, however, provide an overview of the recent developments and research trends in a particular subject. Trend reports are prepared to fulfil the following needs:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help researchers to keep themselves aware of the latest developments in a given subject field. This will help them to know about the new areas of research.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help planners and decision makers to sponsor a research in a given area.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 To help students to make out an area of research.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    10.4\u00a0 Preparation of Trend Reports\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Preparation of trend reports is not an easy task; it is quite a time consuming and complex process. Earlier, the trend reports were prepared by subject specialists based on the documents available in their institution\u2019s library. It involved great deal of time and effort in reading, sifting, evaluating and selecting the documents to be included and then writing the report. In terms of intellectual effort involved in writing a trend report it was no less challenging than the original research work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Meanwhile, new techniques of data collection and availability of electronic resources in the libraries and information centres have made it possible for library and information professionals to take up the task of preparing trend reports.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Library and information professionals have the necessary skills, knowledge and competence to analyze a subject in great depth. They can bring out the relation of the appropriate components of a subject in a helpful way. They can also view the subject of trend report in proper perspective of the development of subject in past, present and future. In recent times, some of the library and information professionals working in the environments of special libraries and information centres are also getting training in technical writing. It is helping them to equip themselves for editing, formatting, etc of the trend reports.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    However, library and information professionals ought to possess the following skills and qualifications for preparing a trend report in their institutions:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Familiarity with different components of the subject on which trend report is to be prepared.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Proper rapport with the specialist users to find out subject approach and views on the subject of the trend report.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knowledge of the exact subject requirements of specialist users.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Good knowledge of different sources of information on the concerned subject from which material is to be collected.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Familiarity with technical writing skills and methods of compiling a trend report.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 IFLA Trend Report, 2014.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 World Bank. Trends in Developing Economies. Washington: World Bank, 1995.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.\u00a0 Technical Digests\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Technical digests are considered are considered important information products as source of information for managerial and technical workers in industrial, commercial, scientific and other such establishments. But the multi-dimensional growth of information relating to their needs has been making it difficult to keep them updated about the latest developments of new products, machinery, processes, techniques, etc. In order to meet their information requirements, a specialized service called technical digest service, has been prepared.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.1\u00a0 Definition\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A digest is a summation or condensation of a body of published literature hence found useful for all types of researchers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Webster\u2019s Third International Dictionary defines a digest as \u201cto compress a piece of literature or a body of information into a short summary form, containing essential core of the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    According to Guha, \u201cdigest is actually a fuller representation of a document, rewritten for a purpose or to suit the requirement of a different group of people, but intended to serve as a complete substitute for the original document.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sometimes the term digest is synonymously used with compendium of information collected from various sources and arranged systematically.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    On the other hand, a technical digest is not as different from a digest, as defined above, except the coverage and scope of the subject. A technical digest includes in its scope primarily science and technology, but it is not limited to it only. It may also cover commerce, management, education, computers, and so on. It is, therefore, addressed to the defence, scientific, academic,industrial, and other communities.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.2\u00a0 Need\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In industrial environment, technical digests are a useful source of information for managers, technical workers, etc. as they can get technical information on areas related to their occupation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In industrial set up, different categories of personnel and workers have different types of information needs. For example, managerial personnel require product-oriented information which may further be categorized as technical, commercial, marketing, and information relating to decision-making. On the other hand, technical workers require information on solving technical problems. Therefore, the contents of technical digests should also be structured according to their levels and needs so that the managers can save their time in decision-taking. These also help save time of other technical workers, and the information can be utilized more effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.3\u00a0 Functions\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    Technical digests are prepared to perform the following functions:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    a.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To keep various levels of personnel in the industry aware of the latest developments in their respective fields of interest.<\/p>\n

    b.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To provide timely and reliable information to keep users aware of the new developments taking place in their areas of specialization.<\/p>\n

    c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To propagate latest technical know-how.<\/p>\n

    d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To help solve technical problems by providing new ideas and information about processes in day to day working.<\/p>\n

    e.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To serve as an efficient channel between research and production centres.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.4\u00a0 Categories of Technical Digests\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Keeping in view the various levels and types of personnel working in industry, the technical digests are prepared for each of these categories.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.4.1\u00a0 Top Management\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The technical digests prepared for top management usually cover the following type of information:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Corporate management and planning,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finance,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Production,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Research and development,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Personnel,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sales,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Public relations.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.4.2\u00a0 Middle Level Management\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The\u00a0 technical\u00a0 digests meant\u00a0 for \u00a0middle\u00a0 level\u00a0 management\u00a0 may\u00a0 contain information about the following:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Enhancing utilization of installed capacity and resources,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 New production processes and techniques helpful in maximizing production,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Problem-solving and decision making.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    11.4.3\u00a0 Operator Level Professionals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For operators and other workers, the digests should contain information which they can easily understand and put to use. These contain information regarding the following:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Solving day-to-day technical problems,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensuring modernization of existing production methods and techniques,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helping in small improvements in manufacturing and process techniques,<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Assisting in mechanization of existing work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Examples<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Technical Digest. Volume 32, 2013. Quarterly.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Management \u00a0Digest. \u00a0Hyderabad: \u00a0Small \u00a0Enterprises \u00a0National \u00a0Documentation \u00a0Centre.<\/p>\n

    Bimonthly.<\/p>\n

    \u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment. New Delhi: Tata Energy Research Institute. Quarterly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.\u00a0 Electronic Information Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Electronic information products are provided in electronic form, and these include resources available on the Internet such as e-books e-journals, online database, CD-ROM databases and other computer\u2013based electronic networks. The first electronic information product emerged in the form of CD-ROM database during 1980.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Internet\/Web information products emerged more than three decade ago. It has witnessed phenomenal growth as a medium preferred for information discovery and delivery and it is widely accepted as a major source of scholarly, scientific, commercial, and entertainment information. The variety of information available via the Web ranges from traditional, general reference sources to information contained in scholarly, government, and commercial sources. The Web allows accessing most types of information on the Internet through a browser. One of the main features of the Web is the ability to quickly link to other related information. The Web contains information beyond plain text, including sounds, images, and video. Web resources can be broadly grouped into two categories: internal and external. \u201cInternal\u201d Web resources are those created by the local library and exist on the library\u2019s own site. They tend to be navigational tools, pointing users to library services and administrative information or, occasionally, to digital content created by local libraries. With the advent of Internet and world wide web there had been proliferation of on line Information products besides CD-ROM data bases. A few of them detailed further.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.1\u00a0 CD-ROM Databases\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The CD-ROMs, one type of the electronic information products, are increasingly becoming popular; their growth is increasing at an exponential rate. In the 1980s, UMI (University Microfilm International) was first to start producing CD-ROMs that stored databases of periodicals abstracts and indexes. Further, books, particularly in the field of computer science and general interest, also started being brought out in CD-ROMs. Most of the databases first appeared as CD-ROM databases. The CD-ROM databases are of immense value over print if the system is networked, as users, at their terminals, could access information without coming to the library. These databases are important tools for identifying the bibliographic details of potentially useful documents and ensure easy access to large volumes of literature for research.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.2\u00a0 Library Databases\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The library uses the term \u2018database\u2019 to describe a searchable CD\/online resource. Using the databases provided by the library will help to find reliable information from trusted sources. It may be OPAC (Open Public Access Catalogue) or relevant Electronic Information Products downloaded\u00a0by library or subscribed by them online. Library databases provide the users with a well-sourced, efficient and exhaustive mine of information that can be used for research, curiosity or just for reading pleasure. Such online library databases are highly organized and classified into different database types in order to streamline search efforts. Library databases also contain more reliable information than what users find on some websites, primarily because the information library databases contain is sourced from experts and professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    12.3\u00a0 Online Full-text Databases\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Online databases are the most effective way to provide access to electronic books\/journals primarily in university libraries through subscription to online databases which can be accessed through the internet. Online databases are a collection of electronic information products (e-journals\/e-books) prepared by publishers from various fields and disciplines.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.3.1\u00a0 Electronic Books\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    An eBook as a portable hardware and software system can display large quantity of readable textual information to the users and allows them to navigate through this information. eBooks are exactly like print or paper books except that they are bound electronically. eBooks come in a variety of formats as well. For example, they can be downloaded in .pdf, .html, plain text and rich text formats, and they can also be purchased in CD ROM and floppy disc formats. There are so many publishers (like Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, Oxford, etc) providing the products of eBooks. The eBook packages are also offered by the vendors and aggregators.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.3.2 Electronic Journals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    An article full-text database enables to search through several of different magazines, journals and newspapers to find articles on a particular topic. Some of the articles are Full Text, which means users can read the entire article right there online; while in others the database will only provide with an abstract, or summary of the article. Still in other cases, the database will only provide a citation, which tells as to where one can find a print version of the article.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    An e-journal, like any other serial, is produced, published and distributed all over globe via electronic network. E-journals for all practical purposes may thus be defined as those journals which are available in electronic media; some may be available on CD-ROM; a few may be available only on online; some may be available both in electronic media and in print. McMillan defines E-journals as “any serials, produced, published, and distributed nationally and internationally via electronic networks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4\u00a0 Bibliographic Databases\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A bibliographic database is a database of bibliographic records. It is an organized digital collection of references to published literature, including journal and newspaper articles, conference proceedings, reports, government and legal publications, patents, books, etc. The bibliographic records in these databases usually describe articles, conference papers, etc., rather than complete monographs, and they generally contain very rich subject descriptions in the form of keywords,\u00a0subject classification terms, or abstracts. Some of the bibliographic databases are briefly described as under:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.1\u00a0 Compendex\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Compendex, was first brought in printed format, and later its CD-ROM version started to bring out the\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0computerized\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0online\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0version\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0of\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0the Engineering\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Index.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0It\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0is\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0a comprehensive engineering bibliographic database which indexes scientific literature pertaining to engineering materials since 1884, compiled manually under the original title of Engineering Index. (Compendex it is now published by Elsevier, who purchased the parent company Engineering Information in 1998).The name Compendex stands for Computerized Engineering in DEX. Compendex currently contains over 15 million records and references from over 5,000 international sources including journals, conferences and trade publications. Approximately 1,000,000 new records are added to the database annually from over 190 disciplines and major specialties within the engineering field. Coverage is from 1969 to the present, and is updated on weekly basis.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.2\u00a0 Index Medicus\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Index Medicus (IM) was a comprehensive bibliographic index of scientific journal articles focusing on medical science fields, published from 1879 to 2004. It is now being brought out by the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM). In 2004, its print \u00a0publication \u00a0ceased. \u00a0In \u00a0one sense, Index\u00a0 \u00a0Medicus and Abridged\u00a0 \u00a0Index\u00a0 \u00a0Medicus still\u00a0 \u00a0exist\u00a0 \u00a0conceptually\u00a0 \u00a0as content curation services that curate MEDLINE content into search subsets or database views.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.3\u00a0 INSPEC\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Started in 1967, INSPEC is a major indexing database of scientific and technical literature, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and formerly by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), one of the IET’s forerunners. INSPEC coverage is extensive in the fields of physics and computer, control, and mechanical engineering. Its subject coverage includes astronomy, electronics, communications, ergonomics, computers and computing, computer science, control engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, and physics. Primarily, the database covers journal articles and papers presented at conferences, significant books, technical reports, dissertations, etc. consisting of about 8 million records from more than 3,000 journals and about 2,000 conference proceedings, books and reports. It adds over 4,00,000 new records to the database annually.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.4\u00a0 MathSciNet\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    MathSciNet is an electronic publication offering access to searchable database of reviews, abstracts and bibliographic information for much of the mathematical sciences literature. Over 100,000 new items are added each year, most of them classified according to the Mathematics Subject Classification. Continuing in the tradition of the paper publication; Mathematical Reviews (MR), which was first published in 1940, over 40,000 reviews are added to the database each year. Extending the MR tradition, MathSciNet contains over two million items and over 1,000,000 direct links to original articles.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.5\u00a0 SciFinder Scholar\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    SciFinder is a research tool that allows students, faculty, and scientists to access diverse research topics from many scientific disciplines, including biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, materials science, agricultural science, etc. It provides easy access to the rich and diverse scientific information contained in the CAS databases including Chemical Abstracts from 1907 onwards, and offers a variety of pathways to explore CAS databases as well as MEDLINE. SciFinder Scholar interface provides the most accurate and comprehensive chemical and related scientific information including journal articles and patents together in one source, substance data, chemical reactions, chemical regulatory data, chemical suppliers, biomedical literature. It has references from more than 10,000 currently published journals and patents from more than 59 patent authorities across globe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.6\u00a0 Scopus\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scopus is a bibliographic database containing abstracts and citations for academic journal articles. It covers nearly 21,000 titles from over 5,000 publishers, of which 20,000 are peer-reviewed journals in scientific, technical, medical, and social sciences (including arts and humanities). It is owned by Elsevier and is available online by subscription. Searches in Scopus incorporate searches of scientific web pages through Scirus, another Elsevier product, as well as patent databases. The publishers are careful in the choice of journals to be included in the database and maintain an open and transparent content coverage policy, regardless of publisher.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.4.7\u00a0 Web of Science\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Web of Science provides seamless access to current and retrospective multidisciplinary information from approximately 8,700 of the most prestigious, high impact research journals in the world. Web of Science also provides a unique search method and cited reference searching. With it, users can navigate forward, backward, and through the literature, searching all disciplines and time spans to uncover all the information relevant to their research. Users can also navigate to electronic full-text journal articles. It has access to the Science Citation Index (1900 to present), Social Sciences Citation Index (1956 to present), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (1975 to present), Index Chemicus (1993 to present), and Current Chemical Reactions (1986 to present).<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.5\u00a0 Other Electronic Information Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sometimes users assume that a library database is the same as a website, when, in fact, this is not so. Although a library database is accessed through Internet, yet the information found therein is actually reprinted from physical print sources. Another important difference between a library database and a website is that many of the texts that one finds on the library database are not available on the Internet. Because of this important difference, it follows that much of the information contained in a library database is composed by professionals or experts in their fields, while websites simply contain information from both expert as well as non-expert sources.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Some of the other electronic information products are mentioned below:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.5.1\u00a0 Online Newspapers\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    The online versions of many newspapers and magazines can give us additional information; hence these are becoming quite popular. The “newspaper online”(www.newspapers.com) in their online service provides the important national and international news stories as well as extensive financials news. Further they also offer news in multi-media form, i.e. charts and graphs, photos, audio and video clips. However, their services are more concentrated towards synthesizing news rather than as information solution for individuals. Also, www.netgazettes.com <\/a>gives a directory of web magazines. There are sites which refer to a collection of sites, often called search engines; for instance, the pathfinder (www.pathfinder.com) is both a search engine and a collection of websites. Almost all sites, herein are, however, affiliated to Time-Warner. Among the searchable sources, Time, Life, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, etc. are the few important magazines.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    12.5.2\u00a0\u00a0 Reference Sources as Information Products\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reference databases provide reference information (facts, statistics, background information) from many different print sources. Among the advantages of searching electronic sources on the Internet are that it is fast, readily available and mostly free. The Internet also allows us to search multiple sources at a time. There are a number of reference sources on the Internet. The Internet has information about libraries; it has dictionaries, encyclopaedias, almanacs, yearbooks, handbooks, manuals, directories, bibliographies, biographies, maps, charts, tables, etc.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    13.\u00a0 Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This module explains the growth of information in recent times as a result of developments and discoveries in science and technology, agriculture, medicine, and even social sciences. Such growth of information has made it difficult for the scientists, academicians, researchers to keep track of the latest developments in the fields of their interests. Despite the fact that the research findings have been reported in various types of indexing and abstracting services, yet these too were found to be deficient in many cases. Besides, there are many organizations which provide various services, develop products, processes, techniques, etc but information about them could not be transmitted to the potential users for want of adequate information products in a language and format easily understandable and acceptable to them. As such the information products have been developing from compendium to condensed form such as the newsletters, house journals, trade bulletins, reviews, state-of-the-art reports, trend reports, technical digests, etc. Their need, features, functions, etc have been described to know about their benefits to the users. Further, the pace of development of information products from print to electronic format has been tremendous in recent times. Their use and popularity has necessitated designing and developing electronic\/computerized databases some of which are available online, and these too have been described for the benefit of the users.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    14.\u00a0 References<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n
    1. Atherton, Pauline. Handbook of Information Systems and Services. Paris: UNESCO, 1977.<\/li>\n
    2. Debons, Anthony. Information Science 101. USA: Scarecrow Press, 2008.<\/li>\n
    3. Documentation Research and Training Centre, Bangalore. Information Analysis and Consolidation: Principles, Procedures and Products. edited by G. Bhattacharyya and M. Gopinath. Annual Seminar. 18. Bangalore: DRTC, 1981.<\/li>\n
    4. Encyclopedia \u00a0Britannica,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a02008,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0online,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0available at http:\/\/dictionary.reference.com\/browse\/newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Guha, B. Documentation and Information: Services, Techniques and Systems. 2ndrev. ed. Calcutta: World Press, 1983.Reprinted 1999.<\/li>\n
    6. Katz, William A. Introduction to Reference Work. 8thed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.2 Volumes.<\/li>\n
    7. Kumar, P.S.G. Information Analysis, Repackaging, Consolidation and Information Retrieval. New Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation, 2004.<\/li>\n
    8. Saracevic,T. \u201cProcesses and Problems in Information Consolidation\u201d. Information Processing & Management 22, no. 1 (1986): 45-60.<\/li>\n
    9. Saracevic, T. and Wood, J. B. Consolidation of Information: A Handbook on Evaluation, Restructuring and Repackaging of Scientific and Technical Information. Paris: UNESCO, 1981.<\/li>\n
    10. Seetharama, S. Information Consolidation and Repackaging: Framework, Methodology, Planning. New Delhi: EssEss Publications, 1997.<\/li>\n
    11. Sewa Singh. Information Analysis, Consolidation and Repackaging. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers, 2014.<\/li>\n
    12. Subramanyam, K. \u201cReview Literature\u201d. in Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science, edited by Allen Kent. New York: Marcel Dekker, 1979. Volume 26, p. 461-74.<\/li>\n
    13. Tribe, Jennifer. www.juicedconsulting.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"menu_order":26,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["prof-sewa-singh"],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[63],"license":[],"class_list":["post-113","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-prof-sewa-singh"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":233,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/113\/revisions\/233"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/113\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=113"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=113"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/lisp4\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}