CSIR's new integrated electronic library information system
| Date | 01 April 1995 |
| Published date | 01 April 1995 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045383 |
| Pages | 325-328 |
| Author | Adrian Michie |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Article
CSIR's new integrated electronic
library information system
Adrian Michie
CSIR Information
Services,
PO Box
395,
Pretoria,
0001 South Africa
Abstract: The CSIR has developed a CDROM-based electronic library
information system which provides the ability to reproduce and search for
published information and colour brochures on the computer screen.
The
system
integrates this information with online
updating,
e-mail
and offline
user
information manipulation and storage.
1.
Introduction
Four years ago the CSIR had a vision
for the development of what was
termed an electronic
library:
the ability
to search for and reproduce the printed
form in full colour and full size on a
microcomputer
screen.
Initially the in-
tention was to develop this and to in-
troduce
a
commercial service around it
for the Building and Construction in-
dustry; then to migrate this to other in-
dustry sectors.
A specification for such a system
was produced and a system called
QUANTARC was found in the UK
which met the major criteria. South
African documents and product bro-
chures were scanned onto CDROM
and various directories were devel-
oped prior to it being introduced into
the South African market. Over the
next twelve months, experience sug-
gested that a more versatile and inte-
grative system was necessary. The
idea for the CSIR Integrated Elec-
tronic Library System was born. A
specification was drawn up and work
commenced on software development
in October 1993.
2.
Objectives of the new system
The objectives for the new system
were:
• hardware independence;
• MS Windows-based;
• generic in concept — could be
applied to other industry
sectors/applications;
• should integrate with third-party
CDROM and online services;
• should integrate with third-party
application software;
• should integrate with Worldnet
Africa;
• user-friendly, embracing the
'plug and play' concept;
• enhanced page attachment
features to be incorporated;
• related linked document
capability;
• should have integrated
e-mail
and fax capability;
• LAN/multi-user compatible;
• extended 'downline' updating
capability, i.e. updating
databases;
• incorporate document' browse'
facilities;
• should incorporate additional
databases;
• in-house database control,
scanning and CDROM
production.
3.
Development
The development took the form of
three software modules:
(1) The Application Module written
for users;
(2) The Database Editing Module
for in-house use;
(3) The document scanning and
CDROM production module for
in-house use.
These modules have now been
completed and the new CSIR QUAN-
TARC Application Module was
launched at the South African Build-
ing Exhibition in August 1994.
4.
Description/features
4. 1. Description—Application
Module (Building and Construction)
This is known as CSIR QUANTARC
(Integrated Electronic Library Infor-
mation System). The system has been
designed to provide rapid access to a
comprehensive range of electronic in-
formation services and construction-
related software (Figure 1).
Integration is achieved at two lev-
els.
At the first level, general informa-
tion services such as CompuServe can
be accessed; at the second level, infor-
mation services aimed specifically at
the building and construction industry
can be accessed. The integrated sys-
tem provides
a
brief description of fea-
tured services at both levels, and
menus link to these services. A sub-
scriber to CSIR QUANTARC can, in
addition, subscribe to one or more of
these other featured services.
Construction industry information
which is provided at the second level
of integration gives access to informa-
tion directories on hard disk, and to
over 50 000 pages of published prod-
The Electronic Library, Vol. 13, No. 4, August 1995 325
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