BLIs-228: INFORMATION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Coverage: Course Code:BLIE-228
Course: Information Products and Services Assignment Code: AST/TMA/Jul.17-Jan18
Blocks: 1 to 4
Units: 1 to 13 Total Marks: 70

Part-1
Note: Answer all questions.

1) Answer the following questions in 250 words each. (3X5=15 Marks)

1. What do you understand by abstracts and abstracting? Describe the usefulness of

abstracts. (5)
Answer- Abstract- An abstract is a brief summary, generally from 100 to 200 words, of the
contents of a document such as a research paper, journal article, thesis, review, conference
proceeding, and other academic or legal document. The primary purpose of an abstract is to
facilitate a selection of documents. A reader can grasp the essential points of the document
without reading a full document. A reader can decide what to read and what not to read.
Abstracts thus expedite the process of selection and saves time. An abstract, together with
index, is a key finding aid of information in today's overabundance of information.

Abstracting- An abstracting service is a service that provides abstracts of publications, often on

a subject or group of related subjects, usually on a subscription basis. Discussions on
abstracting cover such concepts as the different types of abstracts, purpose of an abstract,
structured versus narrative abstracts, informative versus indicative abstracts, subject slanting,
modular abstracts, and writing and evaluating an abstract.

Usefulness of abstracts - Academic literature uses the abstract to succinctly communicate

complex research. An abstract may act as a stand-alone entity instead of a full paper. As such,
an abstract is used by many organizations as the basis for selecting research that is proposed
for presentation in the form of a poster,platform/oral presentation or workshop presentation at
an academic conference. Most literature database search engines index only abstracts rather
than providing the entire text of the paper. Full texts of scientific papers must often be
purchased because of copyright and/or publisher fees and therefore the abstract is a significant
selling point for the reprint or electronic form of the full text.

The abstract can convey the main results and conclusions of a scientific article but the full text
article must be consulted for details of the methodology, the full experimental results, and a
critical discussion of the interpretations and conclusions. Consulting the abstract alone is
inadequate for scholarship and may lead to inappropriate medical decisions.

An abstract allows one to sift through copious numbers of papers for ones in which the
researcher can have more confidence that they will be relevant to his or her research. Once
papers are chosen based on the abstract, they must be read carefully to be evaluated for
relevance. It is generally agreed that one must not base reference citations on the abstract
alone, but the content of an entire paper.

2. Discuss the value and benefits of consolidated information in decision making and
problem solving. (5)
Answer- The complexity of and the need for resources are the factors that discourage initiation
of information consolidation activities either by groups of individuals or by organisations. What
values and benefits should be stressed upon? This question is not considered often even
though the answers are crucial for justification of information consolidation activities to fund
providers and for
communication and promotion to users.

On a general level, information consolidation is justified for its contribution to the processes of
social and economic development. On a specific level it helps
in problem solving and decision making. Let us try to understand these aspects. For instance,
the process of development in an increasingly interdependent world requires an increase in
sophistication and use of scientific, technical, commercial and related information. The value of
such information does not lie in its existence but in its acceptance and use. The chances for
acceptance and use of information are increased by it being more appropriate. In fact,
consolidated information aims at being more appropriate to the users, their needs and levels,
the capacities and time allotments given to information absorption and similar user-related
factors. More specifically, the value of consolidated information can be stressed upon in relation
to its role in decision making and problem solving. It may be stated that
information is required for making decisions and solving problems, even those encountered in
simple day-to-day work. It must be noted that as complexity of decisions or problems increases,
the necessity for information intensifies. Also,
as the amount of available information proliferates, it becomes difficult to get and use relevant
information. It is also true that as complexity and technical sophistication of available information
increases, less of it can be used by decision makers and problem solvers as presented in its
original form.

The above discussion points to the need for consolidated information. It must be
noted that the value of consolidated information changes with the type and amount of
information. For example, a pile of documents on a given topic on a decision
maker’s table or a list of relevant documents in a worker’s hand have little value in relation to the
decisions they have to make on that topic or problems they
have to solve, even though the documents may contain all the information that is needed, on the
other hand, summaries may have a bit more value. Integration of
excerpts from a number of documents may have still more value. Obviously, evaluated
information further increases the value while studies addressing the topic such as reviews,
state-of-the-art reports, market studies, statistical summaries and correlations, etc. further
enhance the value considerably.
3. What is Content Management System (CMS)? List it's different types and
explain any one in detail. (5)
Answer- Content Management System- A content management system (CMS) is a computer
application that supports the creation and modification of digital content. It typically supports
multiple users in a collaborative environment.

CMS features vary widely. Most CMSs include Web-based publishing, format management,
history editing and version control, indexing, search, and retrieval. By their nature, content
management systems support the separation of content and presentation.

A web content management system (WCM or WCMS) is a CMS designed to support the
management of the content of Web pages. Most popular CMSs are also WCMSs. Web content
includes text and embedded graphics, photos, video, audio, maps, and program code (e.g., for
applications) that displays content or interacts with the user.

Components of CMS- Such a content management system (CMS) typically has two major
components:

A content management application (CMA) is the front-end user interface that allows a user,
even with limited expertise, to add, modify, and remove content from a website without the
intervention of a webmaster.
A content delivery application (CDA) compiles that information and updates the website.

Digital asset management systems are another type of CMS. They manage things such as
documents, movies, pictures, phone numbers, and scientific data. Companies also use CMSs to
store, control, revise, and publish documentation.

Based on market share statistics, the most popular content management system is WordPress,
used by over 28% of all websites on the internet, and by 59% of all websites using a known
content management system. Other popular content management systems include Joomla and
Drupal.

Types of CMS- CMS can be broken down into two main types: Proprietary CMS and Open
Source CMS.

i. Proprietary CMS - Many companies sell licenses to use their own proprietary CMS.
"Proprietary" generally means someone owns the rights to the CMS application and you need
permission or a license to use it. Even with a license, in most cases, license holders may still be
prohibited from duplicating the CMS or making alterations to the application unless they
purchase a more expensive "developers" license.

Some proprietary CSM can, and are designed to work outside the environment of the creator
but it is important that you understand where the CMS you choose will run properly because
many types of proprietary CMS will only work when the site you build with them is hosted by the
CMS owner. For example, most online "build it yourself" website services use some form of
proprietary CMS. If you build a website "live" through their tools the site will only work as long as
you keep it with that company's CMS.

If you try to move your domain somewhere else, the website you created in their proprietary
environment may no longer work or may be converted to another format.

Two of the biggest downsides of using a proprietary CMS are the cost of licenses and, because
many web host companies do not support proprietary CMS, you may be limited as to where you
can host your website.

This lack of "portability" is probably the major reason most small business owners choose to use
Open Source CMS.

ii. Open Source CMS - The most popular Open Source CMS run on PHP (a scripting language
well-suit for web development that can be embedded into HTML): WordPress, Joomla, and
Drupal (the White House website is a Drupal site.) Open source (OS) programs can be used by
anyone for any purpose and do not require you to purchase a license. You may also customize
OS CMS without special permission.

A few of the significant benefits when using an OS CMS:

They are cheaper; no license fees, no fees for upgrades, no contracts to sign and no long-term
commitments.
Because anyone can develop OS applications there are already countless free modules,
plugins, and complimentary tools so you won't need to hire a developer.
There are hundreds of thousands of free templates (or, "themes") available for OS CMS.

2) Answer the following questions in 150 words each.

1. What are the steps involved in subject approach to literature search? (4)
Answer- Subject Approach - In the following subsections we shall discuss the technique
involved in subject approach step by step.

Step 1- Request for literature search

It may come in person or in the form of a written communication like an e-mail, SMS, a letter, a
telephone call, etc. It is to be checked from the query whether the
purpose and scope are clearly mentioned. Depending on the purpose, the search will take its
course. If the purpose is to prepare a lecture, the search will be simple. A few textbooks on the
topic may suffice. On the other hand if the purpose is to conduct research, a thorough literature
search will have to be undertaken. Here we are considering literature search for conducting
research.

Scope is another very important factor. It takes into account the topic in clear cut
terms, and the coverage in terms of the period, the geographical area, the
languages, and the forms of documents. Let us discuss these points one by one.

Step 2 – In most cases, the objective of literature search is to compile a

bibliography for a researcher. If that is also your objective, then you should follow the following
path. There are numerous published bibliographies on various
subjects. To find out whether or not there is a published bibliography on the topic, you are to
examine the following sources:

i) Besterman, Theodore. A World Bibliography of Bibliographies and of

Bibliographical Catalogues, Calendars, Abstracts, Digests, Indexes and
the like. 4th ed. 5 vols. Geneva: Societas Bibliographica, 1965-1967. Print.

ii) Bibliographic Index: Cumulative Bibliography of Bibliographies, 1937-.

New York: Wilson, 1938. Print.

iii) Index Bibliographic. 4

th ed. The Hague: Federation Internationale de Documentation, 1959. Print.

iv) Kalia, D. R., and M. K. Jain. Bibliography of Bibliographies on India. Delhi: Concept, 1975.
Print.

You may observe that the first source is dated 1967, the third source 1959, and
the 4th source 1975. Moreover, the scope of the fourth source is restricted to
India only. Hence, these sources will not contain any bibliography on the topics
that originated after these dates. Therefore, for recent topics, it is wise to consult
Bibliographic Index. For pre-1975 bibliographies sources mentioned in points
(i), (iii), and (iv) will be of great help.

Step 3 – Search for the latest literature

In Step 2 the searches were restricted to secondary sources. In this particular step
the search will be restricted mainly to primary sources, i.e. primary periodicals,
conference proceedings, festschrift volumes, theses, patents, standards and
specifications, research monographs, encyclopaedias and other reference tools.
It is to be noted that primary sources are scattered in different libraries all over
the world. Without the Internet it is almost impossible to trace them. For every
item being discussed in Step 2, you need to take the help of the Internet. Now, let
us discuss all these items one by one.
Primary periodicals – In this case, the first job is to identify the primary periodicals which you are
to search physically or through the Internet. The best way to identify the primary periodicals will
be as follows:

While conducting literature search you have to record the bibliographical details
of every item in 5” X 3” cards following a standard format. These cards are
considered to be of standard size and are easy to handle. If you have a bibliography
of 100 plus items, it will be considered a good sample to undertake the following
activity. Recording of the bibliographical details of the documents on cards is a
manual method. It is being suggested here because it will be very easy for every
one to follow this method. The information can be recorded in a computer also,
in that case you are suppose to create a database to obtain various items of
information.

Arrange these cards according to the forms of the documents. If the bibliography
pertains to a science subject, it is most likely that 70 to 80 percent of the cards
will belong to periodicals. In the case of humanities or social sciences about half
of the cards may pertain to books and the rest to other forms of documents.

2. Define referral service. Discuss how institutions and persons act as tools for
referral service. (4)
Answer- REFERRAL SERVICE - The referral service is also known as ‘information and
referral service (I&R)’. Referral services do not provide the user with the documents or
information actually needed for his query but refer him to the sources such as secondary
publications,information units, professional organisations, research institutes and individual
specialists, etc. and tell him where to find them.

Referral services can function on their own or in cooperation with other services.It is very
difficult to measure the effectiveness of such services unless they keep themselves in close
touch with their sources and users.This type of service provides detailed information, including
contact information, mailing address where a person can go and receive the required help.

Tools for reference service- A referral system can be defined as a comprehensive institutional
framework that connects various entities with well-defined and delineated (albeit in some cases
overlapping) mandates, responsibilities and powers into a network of cooperation, with the
overall aim of ensuring the protection and assistance of survivors, to aid in their full recovery
and empowerment, the prevention of GBV and the prosecution of perpetrators (the so-called 3
p’s). Referral mechanisms work on the basis of efficient lines of communication and establish
clearly outlined referral pathways and procedures, with clear and simple sequential steps
(UNFPA 2010).

It is rather unfortunate that in our LIS courses much importance is not given to
the referral service. As a result, if the required document or information is not
available within the library, most librarians usually say that the required document
or the information is not available in the library. They do not advise the user to go to some
experts, libraries, or agencies to get the document or information. The reason is - in most cases
they do not know where to direct the inquirer. Now we shall discuss about the tools which will
help you to render referral service.

Some of the tools required for the purpose are available either in print or in digital form. Other
tools you will have to create. First, we shall deal with those tools which are already available.
Afterwards we shall discuss about those tools which you will have to create and if situation
permits you can print them as well. There are certain tools which give you information about the
holdings of various libraries. These tools are called union catalogues. There are union
catalogues of books, periodicals and other bibliographic materials. A union catalogue records
the holdings of various libraries. Usually it is arranged alphabetically according to author,
document titles, etc. Under each document, the names of libraries having the document are
given usually in abbreviated form. In the union catalogue of periodicals apart from title, sponsor,
place of publication, date of starting and ceasing (if the periodical has ceased publication),
volume numbering, etc. are recorded including all irregularities. Given below is a page scanned
from National Union Catalogue of Scientific Serials in India.

3. Describe presentation and layout of a digest. (4)

Answer- Presentation- The following guidelines need to be observed for an effective
presentation:

• The style of writing should be simple and user-centric;

• Accuracy of data and facts reported in the digest must be above reproach;

• Technical jargon need to be used where it is absolutely needed;

• The technical terms used in the digest need to be explained; and

• Tables, graphs and diagrams must be provided to enhance the utility of the
digest.

Contents- The contents of the digest should include information on the following:

• How a new product or process is better than the ones already in existence?

• Whether any new material is used in the product. If so, how its availability for commercial use
can be ensured?

• The benefits that accrue by using a new technology in terms of material, money and
manpower.
• Whether the new technology envisages use of new equipment. If so, the description and
availability of such equipment may be ensured.

Layout- Apart from the quality of the contents, the layout of the digest plays a very important
role in its effective use. Hence, the essential points that should be
observed in this regard are:

• The title of the digest should not only be appropriate vis-à-vis its contents but must be catchy;

• The digest should entice the initiator of the action i.e. the manager;

• It must focus as to how a reported idea would be more effective and emphasise
its value in no uncertain terms, so that it immediately catches the imagination
of the manager; and

• It is important to note that a short digest always increases the probability of

its use.

Lastly, it is very important that references to sources from where the information
included in the digest is culled out should be mentioned in the form of a
bibliography. This certainly provides a mechanism for verification of authenticity
and reliability of the information provided through the digest. For example,
TIDEE-TERI Information Digest on Energy and Environment is published
quarterly by TERI. Each issue contains a few articles, about 250 digests, a few
news briefs and digests of websites, announcements of conferences, patents,
standards, government notifications, etc. in the fields of energy, local and global
environment and sustainable development.

4. Explain the factors responsible for an efficient document delivery service. (4)
Answer- The efficiency of DDS depends on three factors namely, speed, cost and
satisfaction level. Ideally, DDS should be cost-effective, delivered fast and should
satisfy all the requests it receives.

Speed- The method of receiving requests and mode of delivery of documents directly
affect the speed of the service. Requests may be received by post, telephone, fax,
electronic mail or online systems.Documents may also be supplied by any of the above
mentioned methods. Of the above mentioned methods, receipt of the request online and
delivery of the document via electronic document delivery system is the fastest. In the traditional
DDS, the speed of the service is also affected by
factors, such as location of the document within the library and if not available, then time taken
to find its location, transmitting the request, processing the request by the supplying library,
receipt of the document by the requesting library and finally the delivery of the document to the
user. All these factors affect the speed of delivery of the document. It may range from a week to
a month. In case of EDDS, it takes as little as two hours for rush service and a day for standard
service.

Cost - DDS should be cost effective. In devising cost effective service all type of costs, direct as
well as indirect, are taken into consideration. Direct cost is the cost of
operating the service like cost of processing the request, copying the document, postage, etc.
Indirect cost includes cost of collection, building, salaries of staff, cost of equipment, etc. The
service is more cost effective, if it is offered from a centralised collection and number of
requests is large. Conversely, the service is less cost effective when it is offered from a
decentralised collection. It is increasingly being realised that the service can be more cost
effective if it is operated by building a core collection to meet primary needs of the users and for
residual requests, accessing the material speedily from external sources electronically.

Satisfaction Level- This is based on the number of requests satisfied out of total number of
requests received by a library or a document delivery centre. Ideally, a DDS should satisfy all
the requests it receives, but this target is not achievable even from a most comprehensive
centralised collection. In general, a satisfaction level of 90-95 per cent is recommended and
considered satisfactory.

5. Discuss the potential of web marketing in LIS centers. (4)

Answer- Potential of web marketing in library and information centres could be:

• Attracting a variety of users to library’s website/ web resources. Often the term ‘attracting’
refers to online and other media promotions and advertising strategies used to get individuals,
groups and organisations to visit the website of the library and /or use the library. This can be
done in many ways,e.g. through banners, gifts, games, free products, virtual tour, video
promotions.

● Informing is linked to the capacity of the Web to gather and present information about
products, services, events and ideas of library and information centre. The exchange of
information with library and information centre’s stakeholders (e.g. users, funders, employees,
suppliers, politicians, community, etc.) is important to web-based business strategies.

• Positioning is an important aspect of marketing. The services that a website of a library

provides help the library to establish its uniqueness and enhance its presence in the virtual
marketplace. Factors which can be used to examine this strategy include a comparison of types
of online transactions, market targeting, community relations and domestic and international
links to affiliated libraries.

• Delivering a service which is demanded by the users. This requires technical

infrastructure, staff’s efforts on delivery of information and service and presentation of the
service on the library website which should be interactive, reliable and fast.
Web marketing is very important for marketing of library products and services.
It includes email marketing, chat, banner advertisements, search engine optimisation, e-
newsletters, affiliate marketing, virtual marketing, etc. Web marketing is a key enhancer of the
marketing activities of a library. Present day users expect equal response from library as they
get from commercial service providers over the telephone, e-mail, chat, etc.

3.1 Books -
Larson Carl E., and Frank M J Lafesto. The Humanitarian Leader in Each one of Us: 7
Choices that Shape a Socially Responsible Life. London: Sage Publications, 2011. Print.
ISBN 978-1-4129-9922-9

3.2 Periodical Article - Gackenbach Jayne Yue Ming Zongkui Gino., “Gaming, Social
Media, and Gender in Chinese and Canadian Cultures”, Gender, Technology and
Development, 20(3), 2016 (243-278). Print

3.3 Online Newspaper Article - Pinto Viveat Susan. “Despite demonetisation, Indian
consumers remained confident in Q4” : Business Standard. Web. 21 February 20
http://www businessstandard.com/article/economy-policy/despite-demonetisation-indian-
consumers-remained-confident-in-q4 nielsen-117022000814_1.html>

3.4 Chapter in a book - Said E W. “In the shadow of the West.” Power,Politics and
Culture. Ed. Gauri Viswanathan. New York: Pantheon Books, 2001. 39-52. Print.

3.5 Government Publication - Publications Division Ministry of Information and

Broadcasting Government of India. India 2016 : A Reference Annual New Delhi:
Publications Division, 2017. Print.

4. Indicative abstract
Answer- New Millennium Organisations

Progressive stages in the evolution of organizations correspond to progressively deeper aspects

of the mind. The stage of task‐based management emphasized the more superficial
sensorimotor and concrete thinking capacities; this approach of rigid rules and structures is now
unsuited for an increasingly knowledge‐based economy.The next stage, process‐based
management, makes greater use of the intellect of organizational members to design,
implement, and evaluate systematic productivity improvements. A few organizations today
demonstrate the lasting success of values‐based organizing, managing on the level of feelings
and ego. The new millennium will see organizations that utilize the deepest level of human
consciousness, connecting the human mind to the intelligence of natural law which
spontaneously organizes for optimal simplicity, synergy, and holistic progress.The role of
information technology experts is to provide technical infrastructure that enable knowledge
management processes which meet the requirements of the organisation.

5. Practical. Cut the news articles paste on sheet and do as directed.