Showing papers by "Eugene Garfield published in 1969"

The role of the medical librarian in SDI systems.

Abstract: Many ongoing selective dissemination systems designers assume that the librarian can be omitted from active participation in execution of the master plan. ISI's four years of experience with ASCA® service have shown that librarians must be an integral part of the system and engage in an active dialogue between users and the machine. Specific examples of how librarians can best serve the information needs of scientists using SDI systems are examined. It is the basic contention of this paper that the librarian should serve as an intermediary between users and the numerous new information media. In this manner the librarian can filter and translate the requirements of individual scientists to conform with the inherent limitations of all machine systems while exploiting their capabilities to the fullest.

Literature and the Creative Process-Help or Hindrance?

Abstract: tion, is compiling a roster of nearly 2000 persons who can serve as expert advisors on toxicology or related subjects. (Since the Society of Toxicology numbers only 385 members, our file obviously will include advisors whose interests are tangential, as well as those whose interests are central, to toxicology.) With assistance from industry, universities, professional societies and government, we hope gradually to develop an inventory of information resources indexed in depth to provide referrals to references, documents, evaluated data, and information. Additionally, the National Referral Center for Science and Technology of the Library of Congress, under an agreement with NLM, will publish a directory of general toxicology information services before the end of 1969. The Library plans ultimately to maintain a file with the capability of supplying up-to-date information for access by data line telephone connection. Qualified users may then readily obtain information on a host of products and compounds with known or potentially toxic effects. The realization of this plan depends on our ability to create and maintain a file satisfactorily describing the capabilities and services of specialized information sources. I ts realization depends also on the utilization of codes, standards, and criteria acceptable to participants in the toxicology information network. The dream of a truly responsive data and information resource would otherwise be impossible of realization. A rational system of information handling requires common acceptance of forms, terms, and units of measure. Unless those who use services and those who provide them can understand each other, the system will be grossly ineffectual. As planners responsible for national toxicologic information activities, we are sensitive to the influence which the structure and contents of our files and the nature of our computer programs will have upon establishment of standards of terminology, codes, practice, and information transfer. Any sizable, potentially useful resource must, by its very nature, influence the ways and means by which prospective users and contributors will interact with these activities.