National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)

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: To acquire and maintain an extensive collection of scientific periodicals that could benefit the country.
• User Queries: To address specific queries from users by utilising information sources available in India and elsewhere.
• Bulletin of Abstracts: To inform scientists, technologists, and engineers about valuable articles by publishing a monthly bulletin of abstracts.
• Scientific Article Copies: To supply photocopies of required scientific articles to scientists.
• Translations: To provide translations of scientific materials available in various foreign languages to individual scientists.
• Repository: To serve as a repository for both published and unpublished reports on the nation's scientific work.
• Global Dissemination: To act as a conduit through which the nation's scientific work could be shared and made available to the global community.

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: To establish formal channels of communication among the scientific community by offering research journals spanning various fields of science and technology. This encourages the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
• Science Dissemination: To disseminate science and technology (S&T) information to the general public, with a particular emphasis on school students, fostering an interest in science and encouraging scientific inquiry from a young age.
• Preservation and Dissemination of Wealth: To collect, compile, and share information pertaining to the abundant wealth of plant, animal, and mineral resources found in India, thereby contributing to the preservation of the country's rich natural heritage.
• Harnessing Information Technology: To harness the potential of information technology applications, with a specific focus on information management for science communication, and to modernise libraries and other information repositories for greater accessibility and usability.
• Facilitating Development: To serve as a facilitator in driving economic, social, industrial, scientific, and commercial development by ensuring timely and accurate access to relevant information. In doing so, NISCAIR plays a pivotal role in promoting informed decision-making and progress.
• Human Resource Development: To nurture and develop human resources in the fields of science communication, library and information science, documentation, and the management of S&T information systems and services. This ensures a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to sustain and advance the mission of NISCAIR.
• Global Collaborations: To actively collaborate with international institutions and organisations that share similar objectives and goals, fostering a broader global perspective and strengthening the global network dedicated to science and technology communication.

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: NISCAIR publishes 17 primary and two secondary scientific and research journals covering various subject fields in science and technology.
• CSIR News and CSIR Samachar: It releases CSIR News (in English) fortnightly and CSIR Samachar (in Hindi) monthly, serving as a vital link between various CSIR Laboratories and providing information on R & D programs and activities of CSIR, research organisations, university departments, and industry.
• Raw Material Herbarium and Museum: NISCAIR offers consultancy services related to plant and crude drug identification. Additionally, it provides a Photo Library Service, reproducing photographs and illustrations from a collection of over 3000 images.
• Popular Science Magazines: NISCAIR publishes popular science magazines in three languages, catering to diverse users seeking the latest scientific developments. These magazines include Science Reporter (English) and Vigyan Pragati (Hindi), both monthly publications, as well as Science Ki Duniya (Urdu), released quarterly.
• Popular Science Books: NISCAIR produces a considerable number of popular science books spanning fundamental science, contemporary scientific areas, and science entertainment.
• Information Services: NISCAIR offers information services to meet the diverse needs of its user community.
• Developing and Maintaining Specialized Databases: The institution creates and maintains specialized databases to provide valuable information resources.
• Electronic Publishing: NISCAIR leverages electronic publishing to efficiently disseminate scientific and technical information.
• Human Resource Development: NISCAIR is committed to enhancing human resources in the field of science communication and information resources.
• Information Resources: The centre ensures access to a rich repository of information resources, making it available to users.
• Sales and Marketing: NISCAIR engages in sales and marketing activities to distribute its publications and resources effectively.
• Consultancy Services: NISCAIR provides consultancy services to meet its users' information and research needs.

5. Important Journals Published

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

• Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research (monthly)
• Indian Journal of Chemistry A (monthly)
• Indian Journal of Chemistry B (monthly)
• Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (monthly)
• Indian Journal of Pure & Applied Physics (monthly)
• Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics (bi-monthly)
• Indian Journal of Engineering & Material Sciences (bi-monthly)
• Indian Journal of Chemical Technology (bi-monthly)
• Indian Journal of Radio & Space Physics (bi-monthly)
• Journal of Intellectual Property Rights (bi-monthly)
• Indian Journal of Marine Sciences (quarterly)
• Indian Journal of Fibre & Textile Research (quarterly)
• National Product Radiance (bi-monthly)
• Indian Journal of Biotechnology (quarterly)
• Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (quarterly)
• Annals of Library and Information Studies (quarterly)
• Bhartiya Vaigyanik evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika (Hindi) (half-yearly)

Additionally, NISCAIR publishes two abstracting journals:

• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts (bi-monthly)
• Indian Science Abstracts (fortnightly)

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

• CSIR News and CSIR Samachar: NISCAIR regularly publishes CSIR News in English (fortnightly) and CSIR Samachar in Hindi (monthly). These publications serve as a vital bridge between various CSIR Laboratories and keep users informed about various R&D programs and activities. They provide insights into CSIR, R & D organisations, university departments, and the industry.
• Wealth of India (WOI): Wealth of India (WOI) stands as an encyclopaedia of Indian natural raw materials. NISCAIR engages in a continuous effort to publish supplements for WOI. Moreover, they publish books highlighting the natural raw material resources of the country. NISCAIR provides information seekers with inquiry services related to natural raw material resources. The Hindi version, "Bharat ki Sampada," is also available.
• Raw Material Herbarium and Museum: NISCAIR's Raw Material Herbarium and Museum offer consultancy services, particularly in the identification of plants and crude drugs of plant origin. The institution also provides a Photo Library Service, enabling users to access photographs and illustrations reproduced from a substantial collection of over 3,000 images.
• NISCAIR presents popular science publications in three languages, catering to diverse user needs, especially those seeking accessible scientific information. These publications include: Science Reporter (English): A monthly publication. Vigyan Pragati (Hindi): A monthly publication. Science Ki Duniya (Urdu): A quarterly publication.

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): Built upon the Wealth of India and MAPA databases, MAPIS provides information on medicinal and aromatic plants.
• Content Abstract and Photocopy Service: A highly personalised service that offers content information from journals on a regular basis.
• Literature Search Service: Provides access to over 6000 international databases for in-depth literature searches.
• 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: Offers translation services from major foreign languages (Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian) into English.
• Bibliometric Services: NISCAIR provides bibliometric services for specialised subjects, aiding the study of research growth, development, and dissemination.

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:

• Modernization and Automation: For library and information organisations, including turnkey projects.
• Specialized Database Development: Designing and developing specialised databases for organisations.
• Editing, Designing, and Production: Providing support in editing, designing, production, and printing of publications.

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