Current Awareness Service (CAS)
Question: What is CAS? Mention the characteristics of CAS. Describe the criteria for the evaluation of CAS.
Introduction:
CAS is a device of the information system through which the users of information can be informed promptly(`ªæZ), as soon as possible after publications. Dissemination of information that will keep it users well-informed and up-to-date in their fields of basic interest as well as in related subjects is called Current Awareness Service.
Definition of CAS :
According to B.C. Vickery- "CAS is more frequently and more adequately(h‡_ó) met by circulation than by retrieval(wd‡i cvIqv), current journals, newly received book and report, abstract bulletins and the like being fed to and scanned by users."
Hamilton defines CAS as a service which provides the recipient with information on the latest developments within the subject areas in which he or she has a specific interest or need to know.
In view of the above, CAS is a direct link between the user and the communicator through communication system or communication devices. This system or device is called Current Awareness Service.
2. Kinds / Categories:
Two kinds of Current Awareness Services may be recognized.
They are:
a. Those services, which are directed towards individuals or group of users. These may include communication of information to individuals or groups through informal conversation or via telephone, message sent on notification form, SDI, selective of dissemination of documents, routing of periodicals (or automatic loan) and other documents. In this field, information supplied within the period of one week to one month.
b. Those services, which are directed towards all users of the services, these may include accession list (a list of recent acquisitions), bibliography, indexing and abstracting services, bibliographic surveys, literature surveys, table of contents of periodicals received in the library, Current Awareness bulletin, etc.
In this field, information supplied daily or within the period of one week.
From above we can summarize CAS types as:
a) List of Additions/Current additions to the Library
b) Current Awareness List/Bulletin
c) Current Contents/TOC (Table of contents)
d) Research in Progress
e) Employment Opportunities
f) Forthcoming Events List
3. Aim / purpose of CAS:
i. To aware the scientists/users with latest developments in their subject fields.
ii. To keep the clientele well-informed and up-to-date knowledge of latest development in their fields of research.
jii. To fulfill the current demand of the users.
4. Characteristics:
Characteristics of CAS are enumerated as follows
i. Visual channel:
There is visual channel for user to know the current developments
through:
a. Information obtained orally from colleagues.
b. Information gathered through attending meeting and conferences and getting information in both formal and informal way.
ii. Literature channel:
a. Scanning of current issues of periodicals.
b. Regular perusal of abstracting and indexing periodicals in one's subject fields.
c. In some cases reviews and monographs are also consulted.
iii. Formal channel (Current channel):
a. Regular perusal of current issues of periodicals.
b. Current issues of abstracting and indexing periodicals.
c. Maintaining profiles (personal files of the users)
iv. A CAS is an announcement mechanism usually in documentary form.
v. It is designed to meet the current approach to information.
vi. Speed and timeliness is the essence of CAS.
viii. CAS is a perishable commodity.
5. Factors influencing CAS:
1. Current Approach:
It is necessary for every informator to keep himself known with the current literature or the latest development of subject. He must know all the important areas as soon as published or generated.
2. Continuous need:
CAS is very much required where there is continuous need of current affairs and developments by the user.
3. Direct demand:
For many issues the user may not be immediately interested but some of the reference may be demanded by him at any moment. For such needs some of the references are recorded in his diary or personal file kept with the library or informator, so that when to need arises they may be supplied with latest developments.
6. Steps in CAS:
The steps in the provision of CAS are given bellow:
1. Review or scan documents immediately upon receipt.
2. Select information and record individual documents pertinent to the
programme of the individuals or groups of the organization being served. This may be done by comparing the documents/information with the needs of users being served.
3. Send notification to the users about items or information of interest to them.
Conclusion:
CAS is the best way to bring the resources of a library to the notice of its users. Before starting CAS, it is a must to ensure the availability of required resources (personnel, equipment, material and finance) and their continuance in future. The success of current awareness services would largely depend upon enthusiasm (cÖej Drm), Knowledge and resourcefulness of the librarian, response from the users and organization of the library. An effective CAS service is the best media for the publicity of a library/information centre.
