Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)

    DESIDOC, which stands for Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre, is an organization that was established in 1958 as the Scientific Information Bureau (SIB). Initially, it was a division of the Defence Science Laboratory (DSL), now known as the Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC). The DRDO library, which originated in 1948, became a part of the Scientific Information Bureau in 1959.

    In 1967, the SIB underwent reorganization and expanded its activities, leading to its renaming as the Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC). It continued to operate under the administration of the Defence Science Laboratory.

    On July 29, 1970, DESIDOC became a self-accounting unit and one of the laboratories of DRDO. It was located in the historic Metcalfe House building in Delhi, which is a national monument. In August 1988, DESIDOC moved to a newly constructed five-story building within the same Metcalfe House complex.

    As a self-accounting unit, DESIDOC has served as a central information resource for DRDO. Its primary role is to provide science and technology information to the DRDO headquarters and its various laboratories across India, drawing upon its library and other information resources.

DESIDOC is divided into different sections, each responsible for specific tasks. These sections include the Documentation Section, Translation Section, Reprography Section, Technical Section, Administrative Section, Library Section, Multicopier Section, and Publication Section.

DESIDOC offers various services and facilities to support its mission. Here are the main services provided:

1. Information Processing & Dissemination: DESIDOC collects science and technology information relevant to DRDO's interests. It provides services like collecting newspaper clippings, compiling content from IEE/IEEE (scientific journals), and sharing current information related to military science and technology with DRDO scientists.

2. Training: DESIDOC offers training programs in different areas, such as library automation, database development, online searching, email and internet usage, technical communication, multimedia development, and other aspects of information technology. These training sessions help DRDO personnel enhance their skills in using information resources effectively.

3. Technical Services: DESIDOC provides various technical services, including reprography (photocopying, audio and video presentations), translation services, communication services (email and internet access), and printing services. These services assist DRDO in creating and disseminating technical materials efficiently.

DESIDOC has different sections that handle specific tasks. They offer services like collecting and sharing relevant information, providing training to improve skills, and assisting with technical tasks such as reproducing documents, translating content, and facilitating communication and printing services.

DESIDOC has played a proactive role in providing e-mail and internet access to DRDO laboratories across the country. Initially, a 64 kbps leased line connection from VSNL was established for this purpose. Currently, around 25 dial-up TCP/IP internet connections are managed and monitored specifically for top management.

To cater to the needs of multimedia authoring, designing, and presentations for the top management and the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, DESIDOC established a Multimedia Laboratory. This laboratory has developed expertise in image processing, CD-writing, audio-video designing, desktop CD publishing, and multimedia CD-ROM production. They have also published a few multimedia products and offered consultancy to establish similar multimedia laboratories within and outside DRDO.

DESIDOC provides a Reprographic Facility that assists the top management and scientists in creating effective technical presentations. This facility is equipped with a computer-based system for producing 35 mm multicolor slides, a digital color copier, high-quality color printers, and video recorders. They ensure the provision of high-quality presentation materials.

(d) DRDO Publications

DESIDOC functions as the publication wing of DRDO and brings out a number of

publications, covering current developments in Indian Defence Research & Development.

The periodicals published are

• Defence Science Journal
• Technology Focus
• DRDO Newsletter
• DRDO Samachar
• DESIDOC Bulletin of Information Technology (DBIT)