Controlling the information explosion

The Selective Dissemination of Information or S.D.I, system is aimed at bringing to the individual scientist\´s attention only those new it e m s 0I" information that are of interest to him. This is done by comparing his subject interests in an electronic digital computer with the subjects covered by each document entering the information system, and printing out from the computer only those items which sufficiently match his interests. In this way a personal service can be provided to a large number of scientists, with feedback allowing progressive tailoring of the service to the needs of each individual. The National Electronics Research Council is at present engaged in the first stage of a three-year investigation of the value, economics and acceptability of the S.D.I, system for electronics research workers. Although the investigation will initially be confined to the subject of electronics research, the system developed will be immediately applicable to any other branch of science and technology.