Selective dissemination of information using a low‐cost relational database at GEC's Engineering Research Centre

A technique for providing a selective dissemination of information service and a printed current awareness bulletin using modestly priced equipment and software was investigated. It is shown that by using a cheap IBM AT clone, a standard relational database package (Paradox) and a word processor package (WordStar), this can be achieved. A useful in‐house database is created at the same time which can be used for retrospective searching of library stock. Techniques of multirelational searching are described, and a method of multi‐database data entry is outlined. Selection criteria for hardware and software are discussed as are other applications of the equipment.