SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION


Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) is defined as the system in which selectively and automatically compiled information about new documents is disseminated to researchers, scientists, and others who need these documents or information or supplying each user or group of users with a reference to documents or abstracts relating to their predefined areas of interest. It involves notifying the material that matches the interests of the client.

SDI is a type of current awareness service meant to keep the user abreast with the latest developments in the field of his interest. It is a personalized service meant for the individual or a group of users having identical information needs. It is a quick service that provides pinpointed and exhaustive information to the users. SDI involves the screening of the document and selecting the information according to the specific information needs of each user or group of users (homogeneous). The main objective is to keep the user well-informed and up-to-date in his area of interest.


Characteristics of SDI:

The following are the characteristics of SDI service:

  • It is a computerised assisted service.
  • SDI is concerned with current published information.
  • The source of current information may be available both within the organization and outside it.
  • The new / current information should be disseminated to the users, such as researchers, scientists, managers, etc. within the organization.
  • The channelling or directing of this information depends upon the nature of this interest.

One of the important things in SDI service is that only current and selective information that is highly relevant to the user’s interest is to be selected by the computer for dissemination.


Objectives of SDI:

Some of the objectives of selective dissemination of information (SDI) services are as follows:

  • To provide current information on a predefined area of interest.
  • To receive, scan, and provide the literature / information to the right users at the right time.
  • All the current information that is relevant to the interest of the user must be brought to the notice of the user (notification).
  • All the relevant information that is published elsewhere in the world (in English or other languages) should be located through various sources.
  • To achieve current requirements through the scanning of current material such as journals, current awareness bulletins, and other important resources.
  • To save the time of the user.

No irrelevant documents should be brought to the notice of the user. Only the selective and relevant documents should be brought to the notice of the user.