The Role of the Specialized Information Analysis Center in Materials Selection

Critical information needed for the proper selection of ,materials to meet specific design, economic, and service conditions is becoming increasingly difficult to extract from the tremendous amount of published literature. The purpose of this paper is to inform engineers of the services of specialized information analysis centers, organized to combat this materials information explosion. The concept of information analysis centers is explained and the differences between these centers and other more common information sources, such as libraries, are distinguished. Descriptive information on several key centers concerned with materials information is tabulated for reference purposes. The scope and operations of the Electronic Properties Information Center (EPIC), as a typical information analysis center, are described. Emphasis is placed on the use of EPIC by engineers to obtain application-oriented information and data concerning the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of materials. Dangers and problems associated with using handbook and vendor literature for electronic design purposes are discussed and contrasted with the usefulness of data and information generated by the Center itself. The unique role and qualifications of the scientific staff of the information centers, as a new type of materials specialist, are highlighted to attract scientists to this exciting new field of endeavor.