Information, Service for Physics Engineering and Computing (INSPEC)

1. Information, Service for Physics Engineering and Computing (INSPEC)

Information, Service for Physics Engineering and Computing (INSPEC), established in 1967 by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) in the United Kingdom, is one of the premier bibliographic information services available in English. It is a gateway to the world's extensive scientific and technical literature across a broad spectrum, including physics, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, control engineering, computers and computing, and information technology. The foundation of INSPEC originates from the Science Abstracts service, a resource offered by the IEE since 1898. The development of the INSPEC database commenced in 1969 and encompasses all services previously provided by INSPEC. Additionally, INSPEC gives access to the archival back files of Science Abstracts from 1898 to 1968, facilitating electronic access through the INSPEC Archive.
Engineers, scientists, and researchers leverage INSPEC for research purposes, enabling the location of pertinent journal articles, conference papers, and other relevant documents. Moreover, the database extends its utility beyond essential search functions, catering to current awareness services, disseminating information on new IEE products, supporting technological forecasting competitive intelligence, and facilitating patent-related searches.
The database undergoes annual updates, scanning over 3,400 scientific and technical journals and approximately 2,000 conference proceedings, books, reports, and dissertations. INSPEC employs skilled personnel who meticulously inspect and abstract relevant articles, subsequently indexing them for inclusion in the database. Currently housing over 8 million bibliographic records, the database continues to expand, adding approximately 400,000 records annually.
INSPEC maintains comprehensive subject coverage, functioning as an exhaustive index within physics, electrical and electronic engineering, computing, control engineering, and information technology. Furthermore, it encompasses diverse fields such as materials science, oceanography, nuclear engineering, geophysics, biomedical engineering, and biophysics. A detailed outline of the subject coverage provided by INSPEC is available within the INSPEC Classification.
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) boasts a global reputation for its extensive array of both print and electronic publications. These encompass books, journals, magazines, and conference proceedings spanning various electrical and electronic engineering realms. The spectrum includes telecommunications, computing, power systems, control engineering, radar technology, circuitry, and materials. Notably, the IEE is recognised for publishing Wiring Regulations and associated publications.

2. Products and Services of Information, Service for Physics Engineering and Computing (INSPEC)

A prominent creation by the IEE is the INSPEC bibliographic database, a comprehensive resource covering literature across physics, electronics, electrical engineering, computing, control, and information technology. As part of the CrossRef initiative, IEE Publishing is an active member.
INSPEC is accessible through various products:
Electronic Format:

• Online database: Remote access to INSPEC information.
• INSPEC ONDISC (CD-ROM): A CD-based version of INSPEC.
• INSPEC Archive: Electronic access to Science Abstracts spanning 1898 to 1968.
• INSPEC Web: Web-based access.
• Site licenses and direct data services: Available for in-house and remote information systems.
• INSPEC Specialised Databases: Focused on photonics, biomedical technology, and information and communication technology.

Abstracting Journals: Physics Abstracts, Electrical and Electronics Abstracts, and Computer and Control Abstracts collectively constitute the Science Abstracts series. These journals comprise concise summaries of published articles, aligning with the content within the INSPEC database.
Current Awareness: INSPEC offers various current awareness services, including specialised online products tailored to meet specific individual and research group needs.
User Aids:

• INSPEC Search Aids CD-ROM: Includes user aids in print and CD format.
• INSPEC Thesaurus
• INSPEC Classification
• INSPEC List of Journals

INSPEC Services:

• Document Delivery Service: Offers publications indexed by INSPEC.
• IEL (IEEE/IEE Electronic Library): Provides full-text access to IEEE and IEE publications indexed within INSPEC.
• Electronic Materials Information Service (EMIS): Offers data and background text on semiconductor properties and technology.