Creation of problem‐oriented databases by downloading information from online social science systems

Information users find online access to bibliographic databases and other sources of information fast and convenient. INION RAN is developing new ways of disseminating search results in order to overcome temporary difficulties — these can be through a text file or a problem‐oriented database. The latter is preferable as (1) it contains the results of cross‐searches in different databases and (2) it is flexible: the records in such a database can be sorted in various orders depending on individual information requirements; an alphabetical subject index to any part of the database can be formed; etc. Problem‐oriented databases can also be updated regularly using internal and external information resources (CDROMs, online systems, printed indexes). Problem‐oriented databases are a response to the changing information needs of both expert and non‐expert users in today's Russia, which is changing faster than ever.