Free Library Science Study Material | https://study.niteshkverma.com

Unit 3.3 : National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)

MLIS-101: Information System and Programmes.

Table of Contents:

1. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
2. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR)
3. Mission and Objectives
4. Activities
5. Important Journals Published
6. Information Service
7. Other Services

Name	Abbreviation	Established	Headquarters Address & Contact Details	URL
National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources	NISCAIR	1952	National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources, Dr. K S Krishnan Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi – 110012. Contact: (+91)-011-25843227; (+91)-011-25846024 (Direct), Fax: (+91)-011-25847062 Email: director@niscpr.res.in	https://niscpr.res.in

1. National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)

The Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was established in 1952. It served as a national centre dedicated to providing information in various fields of science and technology to users within India and abroad. INSDOC's establishment was made possible with the support of UNESCO and revolved around the following objectives:

• Scientific Periodicals:

• User Queries:

• Bulletin of Abstracts:

• Scientific Article Copies:

• Translations:

• Repository:

• Global Dissemination:

Over the past five decades, the centre has evolved and adapted to meet the evolving information needs of its user community. Advancements in modern technologies, particularly computer and telecommunication technology, have empowered the centre to provide timely and efficient information services to its users.
In September 2002, INSDOC merged with the National Institute of Science Communication (NISCOM), another CSIR laboratory, establishing the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). The primary mission of NISCAIR, formed through the merger of INSDOC and NISCOM, is to disseminate scientific and technical information through a range of information products and services offered by the institution. NISCAIR's Citizen Charter emphasises the rights of citizens to access public services, clear performance standards, service quality, information access, streamlined complaint procedures, timely grievance resolution, and independent performance evaluation.
NISCAIR is committed to fulfilling its mandate of facilitating the flow of scientific knowledge and information to benefit both the national and global scientific communities.

2. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR): Forging a New Path in Science and Technology Communication and Policy Research

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) in New Delhi was officially established on April 1, 2021. This milestone was achieved through the merger of two significant organisations: the erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR) and the erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS). The merger was authorised through a CSIR Office Memorandum (OM) dated May 28, 2021.
The initial announcement of this merger was made on January 14, 2021, by the Hon'ble Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who at the time held the portfolio of Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences.
The integration of CSIR-NISCAIR and CSIR-NISTADS into a new institute, CSIR-NIScPR, has led to a comprehensive reorganisation of all units and divisions within the organisation. Both of these predecessor institutions have a rich and longstanding legacy spanning many decades. They have made significant contributions to the National Science, Technology & Innovation (ST&I) system in a variety of ways.
The newly formed entity is poised to act as a 'Think Tank' for the Indian ST&I system, providing expert insights, research, and recommendations. CSIR-NIScPR will take the lead in ST&I communication and policy studies at the national level, aligning with the evolving aspirations and needs of the nation. It will play a crucial role in shaping and advancing science, technology, and innovation policies in India.

3. Mission and Objectives

NISCAIR (National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources) is driven by a steadfast mission and a set of well-defined objectives. Its overarching mission is to emerge as the primary steward of information resources encompassing contemporary and traditional knowledge systems within the realm of science and technology in India. NISCAIR is committed to facilitating science communication across a wide array of audiences, using the most fitting and effective technologies available. The core mandate and objectives of NISCAIR are as follows:

• Fostering Scientific Community:

• Science Dissemination:

• Preservation and Dissemination of Wealth:

• Harnessing Information Technology:

• Facilitating Development:

• Human Resource Development:

• Global Collaborations:

Through these objectives, NISCAIR plays a crucial role in facilitating knowledge dissemination, fostering scientific curiosity, and contributing to the advancement of science and technology in India and beyond.

4. Activities

NISCAIR, the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources, engages in a range of activities to fulfil its objectives:

• Publication of Journals:

• CSIR News and CSIR Samachar:

• Raw Material Herbarium and Museum:

• Popular Science Magazines:

• Popular Science Books:

• Information Services:

• Developing and Maintaining Specialized Databases:

• Electronic Publishing:

• Human Resource Development:

• Information Resources:

• Sales and Marketing:

• Consultancy Services:

5. Important Journals Published

NISCAIR publishes 17 primary journals in various subject fields related to science and technology. These journals include:

Additionally, NISCAIR publishes two abstracting journals:

NISCAIR's activities and publications contribute significantly to the dissemination of scientific knowledge and information.
Other popular Publications

• CSIR News and CSIR Samachar:

• Wealth of India (WOI):

• Raw Material Herbarium and Museum:

These activities and publications contribute significantly to the dissemination of scientific knowledge and information, making science accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

6. Information Services

NISCAIR offers a variety of information services, some of which have been a part of its offerings since the inception of the erstwhile INSDOC. These services include:

• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Information Services (MAPIS):

• Content Abstract and Photocopy Service:

• Literature Search Service:

• International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) Services:

NISCAIR's National Science Library (NSL) serves as the National Centre for the ISSN International Centre. This role involves assigning ISSN numbers to serial publications released in India. The ISSN is a global identification code employed by a range of stakeholders including publishers, suppliers, libraries, information services, barcoding systems, union catalogues, and more. It plays a crucial role in the citation and retrieval of serials such as journals, newspapers, newsletters, directories, yearbooks, annual reports, monograph series, and more. The ISSN serves to enhance international visibility and recognition for the respective serial, as it is automatically included in the International Serials Directory Database. The ISSN International Centre operates as a network with its headquarters located in Paris, coordinating and facilitating the assignment and management of ISSN numbers on a global scale. This system is invaluable for streamlining the identification and access to serial publications, ultimately benefiting both publishers and users.

• S&T Translation Services:

• Bibliometric Services:

7. Other Services

Electronic Publishing: NISCAIR publishes digitised versions of some of its major publications, including Indian Science Abstracts, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts, the Wealth of India, and the Raw Materials Series.
Human Resource Development: NISCAIR actively engages in the development of human resources in library, documentation, and information science. It offers various courses and training programs that evolve with the changing dimensions of information science, technology, and computer applications. These offerings include associateships, full-time academic courses, short-term training programs, attachment training, and on-site training. NISCAIR also provides training in science communication and herbarium techniques.
National Science Library (NSL): Established in 1964, NSL's goal is to acquire all significant S&T publications published in India and enhance its resource base for foreign periodicals, often in electronic formats. The library boasts a rich collection of over 190,000 books, including reference materials, reports, and standards. It subscribes to a wide range of Indian and foreign periodicals, including electronic journals. NSL offers membership to individuals and institutions and provides services such as reader support, technical queries, copying, and inter-library loans.
Consultancy Services: NISCAIR extends consultancy services in various areas:

These services play a crucial role in supporting scientific knowledge and information dissemination.

***END***

DISCLAIMER