Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)

1. Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)

DESIDOC, which stands for Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre, has a rich history dating back to 1958, when it was initially established as the Scientific Information Bureau (SIB). At its inception, it was a division operating within the Defence Science Laboratory (DSL), which has since transformed into the Defence Science Centre.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) library, founded in 1948, was incorporated into the fold of SIB in 1959. However, it was in 1967 that a significant transformation took place. SIB underwent a reorganisation and was christened the Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC). Although its functions were expanded and its responsibilities increased, DESIDOC continued to operate under the administrative purview of DSL.
A key turning point occurred in 1970 when DESIDOC achieved independent status, elevating it to the status of one of the laboratories within DRDO. The Centre embarked on its journey as a standalone unit, serving as a vital information hub for the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Its primary mission revolves around providing science and technology (S&T) information based on its extensive library and other information resources.
In its early years, DESIDOC was headquartered in the Metcalfe House, a national monument, and later relocated to a modern facility within the same complex in 1988. As an independent and self-accounting entity, DESIDOC plays an integral role as a central repository of information for DRDO. It diligently furnishes S&T information to the DRDO headquarters and its numerous laboratories across India.
Through its rich history and continuing dedication to information excellence, DESIDOC serves as a cornerstone of knowledge dissemination and resource provision for the Defence Research and Development Organisation, significantly contributing to advancements in science and technology in the defence sector.

2. Objectives and Mission

• To establish an integrated resource centre and state-of-the-art information management system encompassing knowledge centre, publishing, e-services, printing and multi-media.
• To collaborate with national and international institutions/academia/organisations for cooperative partnerships to improve quality and bring visibility to DRDO's R&D Publications.
• To introduce new innovative Defence Research Journals for the benefit of the R&D community. • To improve the role of DESIDOC's Defence Science Library by reinventing library functions and services with a focus on the perception and expectations of the users.
• Embracing advanced technologies to provide library and information services on emerging digital platforms.
• Introducing the digital imprint of DRDO to connect with the scientific and civil society through the online community.
• Building a "single window" facilitation by improving the quality of print-media, multi-media and network services.

3. Major Activities

DESIDOC engages in a variety of activities that are integral to its mission of providing comprehensive scientific information and documentation services to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These activities encompass a broad spectrum of functions and services, ensuring that DRDO has access to the necessary information, resources and support. The activities of DESIDOC are as follows:

• Library Services: DESIDOC maintains the Defence Science Library, serving as the central library for DRDO. Provides access to services such as Online Public Access Catalogue, CD-Rom Search Service, Document Supply Service, and Resource Sharing Service.
• Information Processing and Dissemination: Collects scientific and technical information relevant to DRDO's needs. Offers current awareness services and selective dissemination of information to DRDO users.
• Database Development: Develops and maintains bibliographic databases, including Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), a Bibliographic database of books, reports, and conference proceedings in DSL. Maintains full-text databases encompassing newspaper clippings, Defence Science Journal, IEE/IEEE contents, and more.
• DRDO Publications: Functions as the publication wing of DRDO, responsible for producing various publications, including journals, monographs, newsletters, and more.
• Training: Provides training in areas such as information collection, processing, and dissemination. Training in library automation, database development, online searching, Internet usage, and various IT-related areas is offered.
• Technical Services: Offers technical services that encompass reprography (photography, audio, and video presentation materials). Provides translation services. Facilitates communication through email and Internet services.
• Offers Printing and Publication Services.

Through these activities, DESIDOC serves as a multifaceted resource for DRDO, ensuring that information needs are met and that personnel are equipped with the skills and tools required to effectively harness scientific and technical information.

4. Functional Areas and Activities

DESIDOC, in its pursuit of serving the diverse information needs of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is organised into distinct functional areas. These areas encompass a range of activities aimed at facilitating information access and enhancing capabilities.
The functional areas and associated activities are as follows:

• Internet and E-mail Access: DESIDOC provides e-mail and Internet access to DRDO Laboratories across the country through ERNET and NICNET. Communication links have been established between the Internet gateway of VSNL and DESIDOC and between the VSNL gateway and DRDO Headquarters. This gives scientists and managers high-speed and convenient access to the Internet and its resources. DESIDOC operates an Internet Lab to cater to the Internet-related needs of users.
• Multimedia Laboratory: This facility is dedicated to multimedia authoring, designing, and presenting for top management and the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister. It offers expertise in various multimedia aspects, including image processing, CD writing, audio-video designing, desktop CD publishing, and multimedia CD-ROM production. DESIDOC has published multimedia products and provided consultancy to establish multimedia laboratories within and outside DRDO.
• Reprographic Facilities: Reprographic facilities have been established to assist top management and scientists within DRDO in creating technical presentations. This facility includes a computer-based multicolour slide-making system, a digital colour copier, high-quality colour printers, and video recorders, enabling the production of high-quality presentation materials.
• Printing Facility: DESIDOC has set up a comprehensive printing facility encompassing design, layout, typesetting, and desktop publishing (DTP), and printing units for in-house production of DRDO publications. Commercial printing agencies have been engaged to handle high-quality multicolour printing, ensuring that the printing needs of DRDO are efficiently met.

These functional areas and activities reflect DESIDOC's commitment to facilitating access to information and enhancing communication and presentation capabilities for DRDO personnel, ultimately supporting the organisation's research and development efforts.

5. Publications

DESIDOC plays a vital role in creating and disseminating various publications for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Additionally, it houses the Defence Science Library, an invaluable resource for researchers and scientists. Here are the key publications and library details: DESIDOC is responsible for the following DRDO publications:

• Defence Science Journal
• Popular Science & Technology
• DRDO Newsletter
• DRDO Samachar
• R&D Digest
• Technology Focus
• Defence Life Science Journal (DLSJ)
• DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology (DJLIT)
• DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology

Defence Science Library: The Defence Science Library is a significant resource that supports the DRDO and the broader scientific community. Key features of the library include:

• Collection: The library boasts the most extensive collection of publications in various fields of science and technology in the country. Its holdings comprise over 3 lakh documents, including books, periodicals, technical reports, patents, and standard specifications.
• Computerization: The Defence Science Library was among the first libraries in the country to be computerised. This modernisation allows for efficient cataloguing and retrieval of information resources.

The Defence Science Library, with its extensive collection and modern cataloguing systems, serves as a critical asset for researchers, scientists, and professionals in the field of science and technology, thereby supporting the objectives of DRDO.