Introduction: CAS is a device of the information system through which the users of information can be informed promptly, as soon as possib...
Introduction:
CAS
is a device of the information system through which the users of information
can be informed promptly, as soon as possible after publications. Dissemination
of information that will keep its users well-informed and up-to-date in their
fields of basic interest as well as in related subjects is called Current
Awareness Service.
Definition of CAS :
According
to B.C. Vickery-
"CAS
is more frequently and more adequately met by circulation than by retrieval, current
journals, newly received book, and report, abstract bulletins and the like
being fed to and scanned by users."
Hamilton defines CAS as a service which provides the recipient with information on the latest developments within the subject areas in which he or she has a specific interest or need to know.
In
view of the above, CAS is a direct link between the user and the communicator
through communication system or communication devices. This system or device is
called the Current Awareness Service.
2. Kinds /
Categories:
Two
kinds of Current Awareness Services may be recognized.
They
are:
A.Those services, which are directed towards individuals or groups of users. These may include communication of information to individuals or groups through informal conversation or via telephone, message sent on notification form, SDI, selective of dissemination of documents, routing of periodicals (or automatic loan), and other documents. In this field, the information supplied within a period of one week to one month.
B.
Those services, which are directed towards all users of the services, these may
include accession list (a list of recent acquisitions), bibliography, indexing
and abstracting services, bibliographic surveys, literature surveys, table of
contents of periodicals received in the library, Current Awareness bulletin,
etc.
In
this field, the information supplied daily or within a period of one week.
From above we can
summarize CAS types as:
A)
List of Additions/Current additions to the Library
B)
Current Awareness List/Bulletin
C)
Current Contents/TOC (Table of contents)
D)
Research in Progress
E)
Employment Opportunities
F)
Forthcoming Events List
3. Aim/purpose of
CAS:
- To
aware of the scientists/users with the latest developments
in their subject fields.
- To
keep the clientele well-informed and up-to-date knowledge of the latest
development in their fields of research.
- To
fulfill the current demand of the users.
4. Characteristics:
Characteristics
of CAS are enumerated as follows
i. Visual
channel:
There
is a visual channel for the user to know the current developments through:
a.Information
obtained orally from colleagues.
b.Information
gathered through attending meetings and conferences and getting information in
both formal and informal ways.
ii. Literature
channel:
a.
Scanning of current issues of periodicals.
b.
A regular perusal of abstracting and indexing periodicals in one's subject
fields.
c.
In some cases, reviews and monographs are also consulted.
iii. Formal channel
(Current channel):
a.
A regular perusal of current issues of periodicals.
b.
Current issues of abstracting and indexing periodicals.
c.
Maintaining profiles (personal files of the users)
d. A
CAS is an announcement mechanism usually in documentary form.
e.
It is designed to meet the current approach to information.
f.
Speed and timeliness is the essence of CAS.
g.
CAS is a perishable commodity.
5. Factors
influencing CAS:
a.
Current Approach:
It
is necessary for every information to keep himself known with the current
literature or the latest development of the subject. He must know all the
important areas as soon as published or generated.
b.
Continuous need:
CAS
is very much required where there is a continuous need for current affairs and
developments by the user.
3. Direct
demand:
For
many issues, the user may not be immediately interested but some of the
references may be demanded by him at any moment. For such needs, some of the
references are recorded in his diary or personal file kept with the library or
information, so that when to need arises they may be supplied with the latest
developments.
6. Steps in CAS:
The
steps in the provision of CAS are given bellow:
1.
Review or scan documents immediately upon receipt.
2.Select
information and record individual documents are pertinent to the program of
the individuals or groups of the organization being served. This may be done by
comparing the documents/information with the needs of users being served.
3.
Send notification to the users about items or information of interest to them.
Conclusion:
CAS
is the best way to bring the resources of a library to the notice of its users.
Before starting CAS, it is a must to ensure the availability of required
resources (personnel, equipment, material, and finance) and their continuance
in the future. The success of current awareness services would largely depend upon
the enthusiasm, knowledge, and resourcefulness of the librarian, the response
from the users, and the organization of the library. An effective CAS service
is the best media for the publicity of a library/information center.
