Reaching to Patrons: A Case Study of DESIDOC Outreach Programmes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the organization and understand the initiatives taken by Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC) which is providing S&T information required by the S&T community in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) across the country for R&D purposes as a special library and information centre in the area of library outreach programmes. The paper also suggests areas where further efforts are required. A qualitative study was done. It included a survey regarding the work being carried out and methods adopted by DESIDOC regarding its activities and the initiatives taken for their outreach programmes. The results of this study identified the different sets of measures taken for different outreach programmes as per different audience/clients. It also identified certain programmes carried out for the benefit of society. This study was necessary for the practical purpose of organizing outreach programmes in context of special libraries. What measures can be taken to reach to specific users. What initiatives can be taken for society in addition to serving the specific users