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Development Alternatives
has been designated as ENVIS (Environmental Information System) node
# 4, in 1984, by Union Ministry of Environment and Forests which is
functioning as a National Focal Point of INFOTERRA/UNEP. Since 1984,
ENVIS # 4 is globally linked to UNEP’s INFOTERRA which is a global
environmental information system. INFOTERRA stimulates and supports
exchange of environmental information within and between nations. To
achieve
this objective, ENVIS # 4, has been assigned the task of
collecting, organizing and dissemination of information, globally on
“ Environmentally Sound and Appropriate Technologies
(ESAT).
ENVIS #4, Development Alternatives, New Delhi, has
been actively involved in updating the existing databases and also
creating new databases to retrieve knowledge, information and data
instantly and efficiently to public, free of cost and in
user-friendly way, during 2001-2002. A major function has been to
answer over 3000 queries from appropriate technology designers ,
NGOs, research and academic institutions, business groups,
government agencies, embassies and journalists from different parts
of the world. Over 1000 persons, mainly
professionals have
visited ENVIS #4 and got library and information products and
services. With the addition of 274 books and other useful documents,
the total collection has gone up to 16,696. Besides this, 15 new
periodicals are subscribed and with this, total number of
periodicals has gone up to 531. Other collection of ENVIS #4
includes - (1) 1271 maps and atlases; (2) 560 audio cassettes and
(3) 512 video cassettes. To enrich the collection of "Digital
Library" which is a part of ENVIS #4, 140 CD-ROMs and diskettes were
added. Significant feature of ENVIS #4, during this period is that
majority of the visitors utilized 482 reports and publications
published by Development Alternatives.
In view of further
enhancing Library and information services to both public and to
staff members of Development Alternatives, a new Library automation
software, namely “Alice for Windows” has been installed
recently.
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