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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. |
