Integrated Bibliographic Information System: Concept and Application for Resource Sharing in Special Libraries

摘要

The DoD Scientific and Technical Information (STI) network is composed of over 200 technical libraries and information centers tied together by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). As the DoD clearinghouse for STI, DTIC seeks to improve the flow of information throughout the STI network by promoting shared cataloging and integrated retrieval systems. Through sponsorship of the Local Automation Model project DTIC offers libraries and information centers a fully resident computer system supporting local collection cataloging, retrieval, and circulation management and control. What sets the system apart from others is the additional capability offered by an intelligent gateway: the ability to interconnect and share information with geographically remote, heterogeneous computers and data bases. By combining local collection management capabilities with an intelligent gateway, users simultaneously access and search diverse bibliographic resources, a local catalog, closed community resources, and commercial data bases. Libraries and information centers can readily share bibliographic citations, thus reducing the duplication of intellectual and manual effort associated with acquiring new STI holdings. The prototype system became operational during 1986, providing the opportunity to demonstrate library automation concepts that will shorten the time required to acquire and disseminate STI. (EDC)