B-108 – INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit- IV: Types of Information Services

TOPIC
Selective Dissemination of
Information(SDI)
Selective Dissemination of Information(SDI)
 This concept was given by H P Luhn of IBM
in 1950 and he devised the information
system in 1958 and on this basis IBM has
developed a system in 1959 to provide
personalised CAS to specialists users and to
save the time of the users by scanning the
contents. SDI is based on the principle that
no two users have identical information
needs
 Objectives
 To keep the specialist personally informed of
all the current & relevant documents of his
interest
 Save the time of the user by screening out
irrelevant information, thus making
information explosion a manageable problem
 Thus SDI helps users to overcome the problem
of information overload by effecting
information filtering based on their needs.
 Objectives
 To provide current information on a particular subject,
 To receive, scan and provide the literature to right
users,
 To notify the latest information about the particular
subject clearly,
 To delegate the computer base technique for relating
current profile of information to the interest of users,
 To achieve current requirements through the scan of
journals, current awareness bulletins, and other
important resources, and
 Expeditious service/time saving.
 Definitions
 Strauss, Shrene and Brown: a refinement of current
awareness idea-that is designed to serve the individual
scientists directly.
 D Elhence: a type of personalized Current Awareness
Service which under optimum conditions involves
screening of documents selecting information exactly
tailored to meet the specific research needs of each
user or group of users and supplying the information
directly to each individual or user group so that the
users can keep himself abreast of the latest
developments in the area of his specialization.
 Definitions
 Dr. S.R. Ranganathan defines SDI as
documentation list on a specific topic
anticipated to engage the attention of the
member of the parent body. Fidoten defines SDI
as a method of providing personal current
awareness information to individuals or groups.
 UNESCO defines SDI as the regular provision
of scientific information to individuals or
corporate users on predetermined subjects
(interest profiles).
 Definition
 However, it can be defined in a comprehensive
sense that, SDI is a type of current awareness
service which under optimum conditions
involves screening of documents, selecting
information exactly tailored to meet the specific
research needs of each user or a group of users
and supplying the information directly to each
individual or group so that user can keep abreast
of the latest developments in the area of his
specialization
 Selective Dissemination of Information
 SDI is that service with in an organization which
concern itself with the machine assisted channeling
of new items of information from whatever sources to
those points with in the organization where the
possibility of usefulness, in connection with current
work or interest is high.
 Machine assisted
 New information
 Whatever source
 Usefulness high
 Current work or interest
 CAS Vs SDI
 It is often questioned whether SDI can at all be considered a
current awareness service. CAS, by its very nature, is not
provided against any specific requirement and it covers a
wide subject field. But the nature of SDI is not so.
Nevertheless, it helps the users keep themselves abreast of
the new developments in their own fields, which is also the
main aim behind CAS. Besides, if a user wants to know
about the new developments in the penumbral region also,
along with those in the umbral region of his/her interest, he
can do so by having, the level of match “kept in a
comparatively diffused or lose form” . SDI, therefore, is
basically a current awareness service, though personalized
in nature.
 Characteristics
 This service is based on the principle that no two users
have identical information needs and as such each one
should be provided only that information which he actually
needs.
 It is a personalized information service meant for individual
user or group of users with near identical areas of interest.
 It is a user oriented service provided with clear outstanding
of the specific interest of the users
 It is speedy device providing information long before they
are incorporated in A & I periodicals
 This is a pinpointed and tailored made service for the
specialist users
SDI Characteristics
 Tailor-made service
 User oriented

 Subject specific

 Semi- fully mechanized

 Pinpointed and exhaustive

 Speedy and time saving

 Less scanning on user part

SDI: Components/Steps

 Document Profile
 Users’ Profile

 Matching

 Notification

 Feedback

 Modifications
Document Profile/Document Database
 As the documents come to the library, their
contents are clearly analyzed and the unit
concepts or facets are expressed in the same
keywords, symbols, or code numbers which
have been used in users’ profiles, so that
matching is possible. The individual profiles
of documents so prepared are filed together.
This is called documents’ profile file. This
work is done by the SDI staff.
Document Profile/document database
A file containing document description and
terms representing the subject content of
the documents being described. Since SDI is
a computer-based service, the document
database is in computer-readable form. The
document database used in SDI is for recent
or current literature. The terms chosen to
describe document content are usually
drawn with the help of a thesaurus.
 Document Profile/Document Database
 It is a bibliographical record of the documents
related to user’s information needs and areas of
interest. It may be in-house or a commercial
database. Both the systems have relative
advantages and disadvantages. For example,
coverage and scope of commercial database may
be more than the in-house created one. On the
other hand, in-house database despite being very
time-consuming as compared to commercial
database, may ensure pin-pointed and better
customization of information requirements
 Document Profile: Elements
 Keword/ Class Number
 Author of the document

 Title of the document

 Locus of the document

 Accession number

 This work is of subject analysis. Preparation

of document profile and organisation is
done by library staff
 Users Profile
 The first decision one has to take before starting an
SDI service is about the group of users to whom this
service is aimed at. The needs and interests of each
user or a group having similar interests are
ascertained and carefully analyzed. These are then
expressed in terms of some keywords or code
numbers. The usual practice is adoption of keywords
from an accepted thesaurus. The individual profiles
thus prepared are then filed together. This is called
users’ profile file. The user profiles file is again a
computer-readable
 User Profile
 The terms to describe user interests are also drawn from
the same indexing vocabulary (thesaurus) used to index
the items going into the document database. The use of the
same terminology to describe document content and user
interests ensures good matching of user interests with
document content file.
 It may be pointed out here that making and maintenance
of users’ profile file are a vital part of the whole system,
without which SDI will have no meaning at all. The work
may be done by a user himself with the help of a manual
supplied to him for this purpose, or by the SDI staff in
collaboration with the user.
 Users Profile : Elements
 Background Information about Users
 Subject interest
 Keywords
 Research project
 Information regarding users background
 Names of the peers working in that areas
 Key journals
 Name of organisations noted for their research
activities
 Scientists working in that areas
 Profile Matching
 It consists of matching the user’s profile (UP) with the
document profile (DP), i.e., contents of the DP with
those of UP with the help of a computer. It is advisable
to use computer rather than manual work if users are
more than 100 or so. The task of the librarian/
information professional is to translate the information
requirements of user in to descriptors taken from the
controlled vocabulary or thesaurus as it helps in perfect
searching of documents/information stored in the
database.
 Profile Matching
 The above two profile files are matched at regular intervals.
When positive results are obtained, that is, a close
resemblance between a user’s profile and a document’s
profile is found, the necessary details from both the profiles
are recorded. For carrying out matching work effectively, it is
necessary to determine beforehand a level of match for each
user. Existence of what minimum number of concepts
(keywords) and what combination of them in a document will
make the document suitable for each user should be found out
and noted on respective profiles for this purpose. Instructions
provided by the users and analysis of responses received from
them may help determine the best level of match.
 Notification
 It is based on the match between the user’s interest
profile and the document profile. At the first instance,
the individual user receives notifications from the
system. If any loose match is observed between his/her
profile and any document in the database, the same may
be taken care of.
 Further, the user may indicate the usefulness of the
documents/information disseminated to him/her. The
notification may be sent by taking printouts along with
the covering letter and feedback form. The same may be
sent by e-mail or by using Bulletin board service, if the
request from users is common.
 Notification
 Intimation is sent to a particular user, with whose
profile the profile of a document matches closely.
Thus he/she is alerted about the presence of a
document in the library which may be of relevance
to him/her. The notification may carry only
minimum details necessary for identification of the
document or abstract/keywords of the contents of
the document along with the bibliographical
details. Sometimes, a copy of the document or the
document itself is also sent.
 Feedback
 The user is expected to provide feedback to the
SDI providers in a prescribed feedback form
indicating whether the documents/information
notified is most relevant, relevant but not needed,
or not relevant at all. In case most of the items of
information are found useful, then it can be
concluded that the user profile has been properly
prepared. On the other hand, if most of the
information is not found useful, then it can be said
that user profile does not match with the user’s
interest areas and hence must be modified.
 Feedback
 There should be a mechanism in the SDI system for feedback
from the side of the users. A printed card or sheet may be sent to
each user along with the notification in which he/she has to
indicate how far the reference supplied has been of use to him/her.
 The response may also sometimes take the form of referral
response, when a user on getting an intimation, informs the SDI
unit that the document referred to him may be of interest to
another particular user.
 Although feedback is a very important aspect, which can improve
the efficiency of an SDI system, it is often neglected. Through this
mechanism, it is possible to detect slightest change in the interests
of the users.
 Readjustment/Modifications
 In case, the user indicates through the feedback form
that the output is not useful, the SDI provider takes
action to modify the profile on the basis of the results
provided by the user.
 The reasons for disseminating information that is not
useful are analysed which may result in revision or
modification of the user’s profile.
 In some cases, the users’ interest may also change due
to the change in research projects or so. In such cases,
the modification of user’s profile itself is required.
 Readjustment/Modifications
 For improving the service of an SDI system, it is
necessary to carefully analyze the views of the
users obtained by above methods and modify the
users’ profiles, if necessary. Such modification is
called readjustment, rejuvenation or updating.
Continuous readjustment of the profiles certainly
helps in raising the efficiency level of the system.
An active interest and personal contact between
the user and the researcher is of great importance
to ensure modification of the profiles.
 User-SDI System Interface
An interface is a common boundary that permits useful interaction or
communication .SDI service interface comprise of the following :
 The users of the SDI service.

 SDI notifications of recent literature that match given users'

interests.
 Request to users to provide feedback on the notifications sent to
them. The feedback provided by the user is about the usefulness or
otherwise of the notifications sent to him.
 Intermediaries in the SDI system operation, These are the
information scientists within the organisation of the who interact
with the user and are knowledgeable about the document database
and its characteristics, and in the creation of user profiles.
 SDI work Flow (Hossain and Islam 27-44)


SDI Online Work Flow (Hossain and Islam 27-44)
 Step 1 & 2
Step 1: Starting point
 Receiving the new arrivals/documents.

 Receiving user profile.

Step 2: Scanning the document

 Specifying and recording bibliographical description of the
new items.
 Scanning the new documents in terms of subject matter and
setting up appropriate subject headings and feasible number
of keywords with appropriate page references.
 Scanning new and old items in terms of user’s interest and
preparing index file for those items by selecting significant
key terms relevant to users’ subject interest.
 Step 3 & 4
Step 3: Analysis of the user’s need
 Careful study of user profile.

 Asking user through an unstructured interview regarding his

need.
 Preparing a search profile by selecting appropriate possible
terms for searching information relevant to need.
Step 4: Information matching action
 Study of the search profile.

 Study of the document index file.

 Study of the bibliographic description of the concerned

documents.
 Step 5 & 6
Step 5: Notification to user
 Sending a bibliographical list of publications relevant to user’s
need.
 Assessing preliminary notification received by concerned user.

Step 6: User’s response to information centre (IC)

 User may request for text information of specified items in detail
after assessing the notified items.
 User may request for profile modification or change, if he doesn’t
satisfy with the notified items.
 User may request for additional new interest, if he wants more
information than the notified items. Finally, the information centre
will try to modify or attach user’s additional need and thus the
operation is going on as before.
 Advantages
 It is possible to give a “tailor-made” service to individual users;
 The documents coming to the library are best utilized as they go
to those persons to whom they will be most useful;
 The scanning time of the readers is reduced to nil;
 It requires no search strategy; The users need not remain alert
themselves to keep track of the new literature coming in their
fields as they are automatically alerted by the SDI system;
 The dissemination of any information through an SDI system is
much quicker than dissemination of the same through any
indexing or abstracting service;
 Because of the personalized nature of the service, SDI satisfies
the users most.
 Disadvantages
 It is sometimes difficult to pin-pointedly ascertain the
interests and requirements of the users as they are often
unable to express themselves in the manner required;
 It is difficult to satisfy a large number of users by a manual
system and if any mechanical method is adopted, it may lose
the personal touch which is a vital aspect;
 Many users are not alert enough to respond to all
notifications, which affects the feedback mechanism and
consequently the efficiency of the system;
 Properly trained staff in sufficient number are required for
providing SDI service, which are usually not available in a
small library.
 References for further reading
Chatterjee, A. Elements of Information Organization and Dissemination.
Amsterdam, Elsevier Ltd.2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/
science/ article/ pii/B9780081 0202 58000089, Accessed 20 March
2020
Guha, B. (1983). Documentation and Information: Services, Techniques
and Systems. 2nd rev ed. Calcutta : World Press, Accessed 20 March
2020
Hossain,M. Jaber and Islam, Md. Shiful. Selective Dissemination of
Information (SDI) Service: A Conceptual Paradigm. International
Journal of Information Science and Technology, Vol 6,no.1,2008,
pp27-44, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/de66/edadb 3522 cfe0c
38ac0c8ad8c940e48bd2f.pdf?
ga=2.77430933.1864779443.1584777138-2141015682. 1567968556,
Accessed 20 March 2020
IGNOU. “Current Awareness Service .“ www.egyankosh.ac.in
/bitstream/123456789/ 33159/ 1/Unit-6.pdf, Accessed 20 March 2020
 References for further reading

IGNOU. “Selective Dissemination of Information”

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=T456sxZ0EIo. Accessed
20 March 2020.
INFLIBNET, ePG Pathsala. “Alerting Services: Concept, Need,
and Techniques Current Awareness Service (CAS). ”
epgp.inflibnet.ac.inHome/ ViewSubject ?catid =21, Accessed
20 March 2020
Mishra, Brijbhushan. “Selective Dissemination of Information
(SDI).”https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/1880
92/12/12_publications.pdf. Accessed 20 March 2020.
Shimray, Somipam R. “Current Awareness Service.”
https://www.slideshare.net/ somipam123456/selective-
dissemination-of-information?, Accessed 20 March 2020.
 References for further reading
University of Dhaka, ISLM Blog. “Selective Dissemination
of Information (SDI) : Meaning and definition.”
/islmblogblog.wordpress.com /2016/05/09/ selective-
dissemination-of-information-sdi-meaning-and-definition,
Accessed 20 March 2020
Uzohue, Chioma Euriel and Yaya, Japheth Abdulazeez,
Provision of Current Awareness Services and Selective
Dissemination of Information by MedicalLibrarians in
Technological Era. American Journal of Information
Science and Computer Engineering Vol. 2, No. 2, 2016,
pp. 8-14. http://www.aiscience.org/ journal/ajisce.
Accessed 20 March 2020.