The defense technical information center: Acquiring information and imparting knowledge

The Defense Technical Information Center: Acquiring Information and Imparting Knowledge

KURT N. MOLHOLM*, BETTY L. FOX, PAUL M. KLINEFELTER, ELLEN V. MCCAULEY, AND WILLIAM M. THOMPSON

The concept of the US. Department of Defense Scientific and Technical Information Program is based on a coordinated structure of decentralized scientific and technical information activities located in research laboratories and organizations worldwide. The Defense Technical Information Center (JYTIC) is the central organization serving the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, and government contractors. This article describes how DTIC fits into the Department’s Scientific and Technical Information Program, how the mission is accomplished, and plans for the future. It is the policy

of the U.S.

Department

of Defense

(DOD) to:

pursue a coordinated, comprehensive Scientific and Technical Information Program (STIP) to ensure that scientific and technical information (STI) provides maximum contribution to the advancement of science and technology; permits timely, effective, and efficient conduct and management of DoD research, engineering (RE), and studies programs; and eliminates unnecessary duplication of effort and resources by encouraging and expediting the interchange and use of STI. The STIP shall provide for interchange of STI within and among DOD Components and their contractors, federal agencies and their contractors, and the national and international scientific and technical community . . . 1

*Direct all correspondence: to Kurt N. Moulobn, Aa’minishutor, Dt$ense Technical Injbrmarion Center, Cameron Srarion, Alerandria, Virginia 223046145. Gommment

Iukwmation

Quarterly, Volume 5, Number 4, pees

323-340.

ISSN: 07-24X.

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The DOD ST1 program concept encompasses a coordinated structure of generally decentralized ST1 activities associated with special laboratories or research organizations. The scientific and technical information that results from the DOD multi-billion dollar research program is generated in the laboratories and research organizations located worldwide. The Defense Technical Information Center (IYIIC) is the central organization serving the entire DOD ST1 Program as a secondary distribution center (see Figure 1).

Figure

1. DOD Scientific

and Technical

The Defense Technical Information tive 3200.12 to:

Information

Program

Concept.

Center is designated by Department of Defense Direc-

provide a source of STIP services to assist in carrying out STIP policy and administration; to perform technical information support services . . . ; to operate DOD-wide ST1 systems; to act as a central coordinating point for DOD ST1 data bases and systems; and to explore and demonstrate new supporting technology? The concept

depends

fide users, recognizing

on a coordinating

program

for data and resource

sharing

among bona

the need to share ST1 among other Federal agencies that are part of the overall Federal ST1 Program. It is important to note that the concept recognizes that government contracts, as well as government organizations, can be part of the bona fide user community. This is critical since nearly 70% of all DOD research and development is conducted by contractors.3 The concept directs that the improved scope and effec-

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tiveness of ST1 is to be achieved through the use of technology and through maximum participation and compatibility with the user community. A fundamental part of the concept is the provision that technical documents and other STI, within the limits of national security, are provided in unclassified form for public use. Thus, nearly half of the technical reports accessioned by IYIIC are provided to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), which makes them available to the general public. Obviously, the overriding priority of the ST1 Program is the timely and effective exchange of scientific and technical information.

SOME HISTORY Although there has been a recognition in the United States of the vital importance of STI, concern with its management became prominent in the late 1950s and gained momentum through the early 1960s. In 1961, a committee of the U.S. Senate reported a precipitous research and development growth with “no complete inventory . . . of the Federal Govemment’s program in research and development . . . .“4 In 1963, the President’s Science Advisory Committee observed that communication is an essential part of research; if an agency sponsors research in support of its mission (e.g., Defense, Energy, Space, and Health and Human Services), it should also allocate resources to support the communication necessary for effective conduct of that research? In 1963, the Armed Services Technical Information Agency (ASTIA) was transferred to the Defense Logistics Agency (then known as the Defense Supply Agency, (DSA)) and became the Defense Documentation Center (DDC), an integral part of the U.S. Department of Defense Scientific and Technical Information Program (STIP). In 1979, DDC was renamed the Defense Technical Information Center and its charter expanded to indicate a wider role in the research, development, test, and evaluation (PDT&E) management role than just the handling of technical reports. Today, DTIC, in addition to its traditional role, pursues a developmental program for applying advanced techniques and technologies to DOD ST1 systems resulting in improvements in services and in information transfer effectiveness. IYIIC’s role has also expanded beyond the Department of Defense. Along with NTIS, the Department of Energy’s Office of Scientific and Technical Information, NASA’s Scientific and Technical Information Office, and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), lYTIC participates in the cooperative organization called CENDI (Commerce, Energy, NASA, NLM, and Defense Information). CENDI strives to, as stated in the charter, “develop ways to improve the productivity of federal research through efficient and responsive information programs and improved management systems.” This cooperation is vital because 92 % of Federal R&D information is generated within the five agencies of CENDI.

ORGANIZATION DTIC is under the operational control of Headquarters, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and is designated as a Primary Level Field Activity. Although the support mission for R&D activities within the DOD community is unique among DLA’s constituents, its basic functions are the same. DLA procures, stores, maintains, and distributes material such as fuel, clothing, medical supplies, electronic components, and other spare parts. DTIC procures,

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stores, and distributes technical information resulting from or relevant to activities of the defense R&D commumty. Another DLA activity, the Defense Logistics Service Center (DLSC) maintains the Federal Catalog and, like DTIC, procures, stores, and distributes technical information relating to item characteristics. Figure 2 identifies MIC’s place in the DLA organization.

LT-l HEADCNARTERSDLA

Figure 2. DLA Organization. Whereas DTIC is under the operational control of DLA, policy guidance is provided by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition) and the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Research and Advanced Technology). DIIC employs a staff of approximately 400 individuals dedicated to information management, processing, and technology. Figure 3 shows the composition of the staff by category, and Figure 4 illustrates the internal organization. IYI’IC has field offices, serving the general IYIIC user population, located in Boston, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque. These cities all have large populations of DTIC users and the concept of the regional offices is to provide assistance to the users by performing literature searches, ordering documents, and so forth. IYI’IC also has a specialized office located in San Diego serving the Manpower, Personnel, and Training Community. USER COMMUNITY Because IYIIC handles restricted STI-ST1 that is sensitive, controlled, limited, and/or classified-DIIC does not provide services to the public. All users must register for DTIC’s services. This includes, for those who wish to access classified information, a facility clearance. Approval authority for user registration is by higher-level government channels for government organizations or by the government contracting officer for contractors. Specifically, to register, an activity must have a sponsor willing to approve access and certify need-to-know categories for classified information. DIIC maintains a Master User

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File against which requests for information are validated. Currently, registered IYTIC users. Figure 5 provides a user profile.

TECH INFO SPECS /LIBRARIANS/ DOCUMENT SPECS

there are about 4,000

ALL OTHER

ADP/TELECOMM

CLERICAL

PRlNTlNG/MlCFiOG SPECIALISTS

figure

3. DTIC People Profile -

PROG/MGT/BUBGET ANALYSTS 81 lNDUST ENGINEERS

By Occupational

Grouping.

For the most part, “a user” is an organizational entity-not an individual. These include industry, Federal government organizations, and some foreign government organizations. Release of information to registered foreign government organizations is accomplished through normal government-to-government release channels. “The Department of Defense Dissemination Authority List”(DAL) constitutes the official listing of all U.S. government organizations and their contractors, grantees, and so forth, registered with the DI’IC to receive DOD scientific and technical information services. DTIC obviously carries out a complex and comprehensive security program. The recognition of the need for security permeates all aspects of DTIC’s operations in order to safeguard the information it maintains against unauthorized release. User registration is only one part of IYTIC’s security control. The registration process, however, is a good example of how the aspect of information control works in harmony with the recognition of the need to make STI available as expeditiously as possible-namely, the release authority being built into the registration process.

DTIC’S CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

TODAY

DOD components submit technical reports and summaries of ongoing RIYME efforts to DIIC. Each year around 30,000 RDT&E technical reports, furnished by the components and their contractors, are added to DTIC’s extensive document collection (over 1.5 million documents) as well as updates to the IYTIC-maintained RM&E management information databases. These databases include planning information related to RIYI&E programs; summaries of ongoing efforts, which contain the what, where, how, when, by whom, and costs; bibliographic data from the technical reports received by IYTIC; and summaries of indepen-

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dent R&D projects initiated and directed by industry which may complement or support DOD programs. This last category of data is proprietary and is available only to DOD organizations registered with IYTIC.

DEFENSE LOGISTICSAGENCV

DEFENSETECHNICAL INFORMATION 1 Lb0 YODEL I”ST”uRTIOI(

Figure 4. Organizational

CENTER

“Acquiring Inlormation, Imparting Knowledge”

Chart for DTIC.

In addition to adding new records to these four databases-bibliographic, planning, workin-progress, and independent R&D-over 100,ooO changes a year are made to them. These reflect such things as change in security classification and work progress. These four major databases are supported by a large-scale, dual-processor computer with a front-end telecommunications processor. These databases are available to both in-house personnel and the DTIC user community through the Defense RlYI’&E Online System (DROLS). The DROLS, with over 940 terminals located at sites throughout the continental United States, Ottawa, and The Hague, operates with both classified and unclassified terminals. Figure 6 provides a breakdown of users by category and interrogations of the system, remote versus in-house. The interrogations from remote sites have virtually tripled in the past decade. This is an important point because the result is more timely access to information and improved productivity at the remote site. In addition, the availability of unclassified terminals, which occurred in 1980, has opened up the system to the universe of authorized users who are able to meet their information needs without online access to classified data. Through the DROLS, DTIC’s databases can be searched to produce bibliographies and

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reports, documents can be ordered, new data input, and newly accessioned documents announced. Security classifications are assigned to various fields, as opposed to the entire record. This permits, for example, the online mouncement of an unclassified title or abstract for a classified document. Thus, users have an opportunity to seek special release authority for document that normally would not be available to them-or, in fact, even known to them. DTIC

USER

PROFILE

Figure 5. DTIC User Profile. Because of its large store of information describing R&D programs and its specialized services, DTIC users include managers and planners, as well as researchers and intermediaries such as the over 300 technical libr~es/info~ation centers in DOD. Many of these elements are not only users but they also provide direct input to the LXX databases. An example of this shared input process is the Shared Bibliographic Input Network (SBIN) . The SBIN insists of 70 libraries and information centers from DTIC’s user community using a subsystem of the Defense RDT&E Online System (DROLS) to input technical report bibliographic records from their remote sites directly into DTIC’s central facility. This system, thus, shares the inputting effort among the participating organization and supports the early notification of the existence of new reports before the document itself is available at DTIC. Another example is the management database containing reports on ongoing research. U.S. Air Force activities are now input directly to DTIC. This is a more efficient and effective method than that previously used; consolidated data are input at an Air Force activity before they are forwarded to DTIC.

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DEF ENSE RDT@E ON1 PINE -SYSTEM (DROLS) LISER

CflTEGORY (PERCENT

INTERERCITII~NS REMOTE US

IN-HOISE)

Figure 6. Defense RDT & E Online System (DROLS). TECHNICAL REPORTS Primarily, LYIIC handles technical report literature (gray literature), which is a by-product of, or relates to, defense IUYI&E efforts. Typical of the literature in DTIC’s extensive collection are reports, theses, and conference proceedings not published commercially. Because it handles unpublished technical reports, IYIIC has an aggressive acquisition program to seek out and acquire reports not being received from regular sources. A current project is addressing the definition of technical reports, what constitutes technical information, and what DTIC will collect. Definitional problems have been faced with the impact of handling and processing media variations. The project will define what M’IC will collect and accept as technical information and whether such terminology as technical data or documentation might better encompass what the lYMC acquisition policy will be in years to come. The definition is being broadened to encourage the input of a wide range of technical information of interest to DTIC users. IYTIC converts the documents it receives to microfiche; stores the microfiche; produces a computer database of bibliographic citations; makes the citations available through the online database, DROLS; announces recent accessions in a paper catalog; and produces demand bibliographies as well as a biweekly Current Awareness Bibliography tailored to the individual needs of DTIC users. Figure 7 illustrates the flow of technical reports from the producers to IYIIC and NTIS.

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UNCLASSIFIED/ “NLlMlTED

0 STORE ANNOUNCE DlSTRlBLlTE

Figure

Z

(Technical

Flow

of

Scientific

and

Technical

Information

(STI).

Reports)

Annually, DTIC distributes nearly 1.25 million reports. Reports are distributed in either microfiche or paper copy in response to specific requests. Microfiche is the medium used in the Automatic Document Distribution (ADD) program that, like the Current Awareness Bibliography, is based on user-interest profiles. The ADD program also prepositions potentially needed documents at local sites in anticipation of local patron requests. Like most information centers, DTIC’s staff also provides reference services for technical reports in its collection and also makes users aware of other sources of information to meet their needs. lYTIC does not classify documents or assign distribution limitations to reports in the collection. Report originators assign or change security classifications and distribution limitations on technical reports. DTIC protects and provides access to reports as indicated by a reports’s classification/limitation and the requester’s predetermined authorization established in the user registration process. Requests for documents that fall outside the registered authorization are forwarded to the controlling organization for release approval/disapproval. Technical reports, as well as information stored in IYTIC’s databases, fall under one of the following five categories: Unclassijied and unlimited-determined by proper release authority to be releaseable to the public. This category accounts for about 50 % of the collection and is the category of reports released to NTIS for sale to the public Unclassified proprietary-contains company-proprietary data that cannot be released to competitors or the general public UncZussified limited-unclassified data or documents created by or for DOD which may not be released to the general public and foreign nations without causing harm to the R&D efforts that created the data Chmified-material that is Secret, Confidential, or Foreign Restricted. (Note: The United States has no security classification of Restricted; therefore, information received

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from NATO, for example, which is marked NATO Restricted is handled by DTIC as though it were U.S. Confidential) Classified limited/special categories-classified information or documents that require dissemination restrictions in addition to personnel and facility security level clearances. The category includes Restricted Data, NATO information, and information directed to specific audiences such as “DOD Only” or “DOD and DOD Contractors Only.”

DTIC RETRIEVAL, INDEXING,

AND SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION

The “IYTIC Retrieval and Indexing Terminology” (DRIT) supplemented by DTIC assigned identifiers and open-ended terms, is used to index DTIC stored scientific and technical information? It is a key component of DTIC’s Machine-Aided-Indexing (MAI) system, which greatly enhances indexing operations. Over 90% of the entries into the IYTIC databases are indexed by the MAI system without change by the professional indexers. The Subject Categorimtion Guide for Defense Science and Technology provides the basis for the subject grouping of science and technology reports? This guide is used primarily as a standardized mechanism for defining areas of need-toknow for distribution control. The need for clearer lines of demarcation among emerging technologies and between theory and military-sensitive application, along with the need to categorize new areas of scientific and technical interest, led MIC to replace the widely recognized COSATI Subject Category List (DOD-Modified) with the new guide.8 Both the DRIT and the Subject Categorization Guide are being translated into French for adoption as NATO’s bilingual thesaurus. CATALOGING STANDARDS The Committee on Scientific and Technical Information (COSATI), Council for Science and Technology, developed the “COSATI Standard for Descriptive Cataloging of Technical Reports” in 1966 to satisfy a need for a compatible set of descriptions for bibliographic information. Participating agencies included NTIS, the Department of Energy (DOE), DOD, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Since that time the standard has undergone two revisions, the latest being a CENDI effort by the Cataloging Working Group, “Guidelines for Descriptive Cataloging of Reports” (1985). The standard is geared specifically for the cataloging of technical reports as opposed to the use of the AngloAmerican Cataloging Rules (AACR), which are more easily applied to books and monographs. Presently, there are over 16 common data elements and the Working Group has endeavored to identify additional data elements in the standardization effort. IYTIC has moved into the national and international arena in bibliographic standards by working closely with the National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services (NFAIS), the National Information Standards Organization (NISO)-the information arm of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), and such groups as the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Nuclear information System (INIS), and the Technical Information Panel of NATO’s Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development (AGARD). DTIC is also accessing DOE and NTIS authority files for the purpose of resource sharing and reduction of duplication in the establishment of authorities. DTIC authorities became online and searchable in Fiscal Year 1988.

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MANPOWER AND TRAINING RESEARCH INFORMATION SYSTEM (MATRIS) Located in San Diego, California, MATRIS serves as an information-sharing network and a decision support system for researchers in the Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT) community and for planners, managers, and policy makers at all levels of the DOD. The system stores, manipulates, and retrieves data related to MPT and answers questions of IYTIC-registered users about the history, present status, future directions, and funding and fiscal details of MPT R&D efforts. Customized MATRIS products and reference services are also available. The MATRIS approach serves as a prototype to explore the extension of the concept to other technology areas.

INFORMATION

ANALYSIS CENTERS

(IACs)

IACs analyze scientific and technical information in specialized subject areas. IYTIC has established, funds, and manages 12 IACs for the DOD. Other IACs are controlled by other DOD activities; however, overall management of the DOD program is IYI’IC’s responsibility. Basically similar in operation, the Centers collect, review, analyze, appraise, summarize, and store information in specific, highly specialized technical thrust areas of concern to the DOD. These areas may be either application-oriented such as manufacturing technology, materials-oriented such as metal matrix composites, or process-oriented such as nondestructive testing. The collections are computerized and are expanded to incorporate the most current international research information. Synthesized information in selected subject areas is repackaged and disseminated to meet either expressed or anticipated needs. Many IACs use IYTIC’s online system, DROLS, to maintain an online citation file of their holdings. Any new information DTIC receives in their respective fields is automatically available to them. Additionally, each year the IACs add several thousand citations to the DTIC Technical Report database. Another IAC mission concerns technical and administrative support to joint DOD committees in the review and coordination of R&D efforts as to interservice compatibility of technology programs and the promotion of information exchange. IACs create and distribute products and offer reference services based on their expertise and data collections. IAC products and services include handbooks, announcement abstracts and indexes, state-of-the-art reports, special studies and tasks, conference proceedings, special analysis and evaluation reports, bibliographies, technical inquiries, referrals, and current awareness newsletters. IACs do not make secondary distribution of reports in their reference collection. IACs are established to serve DOD and its contractors. However, these Centers may serve the private sector to the extent practicable within DOD security guidelines and DOD policy regarding handling of information on militarily critical technologies. DTIC users are encouraged to request information services directly from appropriate IACs when qualitative and quantitative information evaluations requiring technical knowledge and expert judgment are needed. Simple reference services and current awareness are free but service charges are imposed on products and time-consuming services to offset preparation costs. Payment options include subscription plans, direct billing, deposit accounts with

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the IAC or with NTIS, blanket purchase agreements, and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Bequests (MIPRs) . Each IAC’s coverage of its subject area is of greater depth and breadth than is possible within the normal work of DTIC. IAC staff members provide evaluation and analytical services. Because most of the IACs are contractor-operated at major research organizations such as Battelle Memorial Labratories, the scientists and engineers of the entire laboratory are available for consultation to the IAC staff. Thus, unlike the central DTIC organization, IACs not only collect all available materials in clearly defined subject areas of critical importance to the DOD, but they also create new state-of-the-art information through their analytical and evaluation process. IAC services complement and supplement the holdings and referral information IYTIC is tasked to provide. In addition, IACs provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art answers. (The Appendix oft&s a complete list of DOD IACs.)

APPLICATION OF ADVANCED INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IYTIC, as required by its charter but also to meet its operational needs, conducts an aggressive applied research and development effort to find ways to improve productivity for both itself and its users. Four examples of DTIC projects follow. Defense Gateway

Information

System (DCIS)

DGIS is DIIC’s developmental “gateway to tomorrow.” Currently operating in an unclassified mode as a prototype system with over 150 users, DGIS seeks to improve the availability of ST1 and to integrate the several hundred components of the DOD STIP (e.g., technical libraries, information centers, IACs, and end users) into a coordinated STI network. Gateway technology offers DOD the potential to access multiple databases of diverse design and content. Each node and database can continue to be managed by the organization with current responsibility, with DTIC acting as a switching center to provide single-point access to the spectrum of RlYT&E information needs. These needs could embrace technical intelligence, foreign research, military standards, specifications, financial data, and so forth. DGIS seeks to allow users simultaneously to access multiple databases from a single terminal located at the searcher’s workstation and then to download the retrieved information and “post-process” it into the form required by the end used. The basic DGIS is supplemented by a number of unique projects. These include the development of a Directory of Resources, interface tools tailored to meet the needs of users of differing levels of sophistication in searching techniques, post-processing routines, and user training and assistance tools. Directory

of Resources

The Directory ofResources will include subdirectories with references to databases, people, and computing resources. In the first phase, the Directory of Databases is being developed. In order to develop a Directory of Databases, it was necessary to identity and catalog existing databases and to make that information subject-searchable, so that user

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information needs can be matched to relevant resources. Although mauy directories identify commercial and prominent Federal databases, such information was not readily available for DOD databases. To fill this void, a questionnaire was addressed to the DOD Research and Development (R&D) community to identify existing databases, their scope, and availabili~. Over 400 databases were identified. The next step was to build a database of the DOD and DOD-relevant databases that had been identified. A user survey was conducted to determine database requirements. A database schema was developed for the Directory, and database entries were subject indexed. The database was built using a relational database management system, The result of this effort is an online Directory ofDatubusesthat contains information on the content, scope, and availability of selected databases. The Directory is subjectsearchable; upon entering a topic of interest, the user is provided with a list of appropriate databases. interfaces for Searching Diverse Databases

One of the primary goals of DGIS is to relieve the user of the need to learn and master separate commands and protocols for each database accessed. The DGIS target-user community includes both end-users and intermediaries. It is a rare intermediary who maintains proficiency in the use of more than five systems; for end-users, knowledge of two systems is infr~uent. With the ongo~g proliferation of databases, it is obvious that both end-users and intermediaries will benefit from an interface for searching diverse databases. DTIC found that end-user and intermediary interface needs are very different when considered in conjunction with today’s technology, An expansive natural language interface requiring artificial intelligence applications appealed to both populations, but could not be accomplished with existing technology in the short term. A dual approach was adopted for the interface design, incorporating separate strategies for in~~~i~ies and end users. Eight database systems were selected for inclusion in the prototype. These included three large Federal systems and two small DOD systems. For the intermediary, a command translator is being developed that allows users to interact with any of the test systems using the command language they select. Users, for example, could search NASARECON using DROLS commands or the reverse. Because some commands will not have an equivalent in another database, native command searching will be retained. To satisfy the end-user, the EasyNet database searching service has been integrated into DGIS under the name S~chMAESTRO. S~chMAESTRO is a menu-driven database front-end that provides access to over 900 commercial databases. This service was tested by members of the DOD end-user community who were delighted with the simplicity of search execution. In addition, a SearchMAESTRO interface to the IYIIC Technical Report database has been developed. SearchMAESTRO access is now an option within DGIS and is described in greater detail in a later section of this article. Post-Processing

Info~ation retrieved from databases often requires analysis or post-processing in order to become useful to the researcher. DOE recognized this need and developed many options for post-processing data from DOE/RECON through Lawrence Livermore National

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Laboratory’s Technology Information System (TIS) . A library of post-processing routines for numeric and bibliographic data was available on TIS software and was incorporated in the DGIS project. In order to post-process data, the user downloads data into a file on DGIS, translates the data into a common format, and calls up one of several available postprocessing routines. DTIC tested existing post-processing capabilities, developed recommendations for enhancements, and established priorities for the expansion of the capabilities to other databases. As implementation and testing of the various DGIS modules began, it became obvious that some form of user support and training was required to ensure the success of the system. A Gateway User Support and Training Office (GUSTO) was established to satisfy this need. GUSTO provides a hotline service that users can call when they have a problem. GUSTO staff will identify the source of the problem (i.e., the gateway, the user’s terminal, a telecommunications link, or a remote system) and take action to have the problem resolved. Users may also contact GUSTO staff using the electronic mail capability available on DGIS. Developing user manuals and providing training courses are also GUSTO responsibilities. The training course is primarily designed for the professional searcher who wants to exercise the full power of the system, especially in the area of post-processing of bibliographic data. The user manual serves as a reference tool. GUSTO staff also poll the DGIS user community, as needed, to identify new system requirements. As mentioned, a prototype DGIS has been developed and is currently undergoing test and evaluation within the DoD community. There are currently 150 users testing the system. The DGIS prototype is running on a VAX W780 using the UNIX operating system, the INGRES database management system, and the PROLOG interpreter package. The DGIS software is being ported to a Pyramid 98X, and Elxsi 6800, a Gould 6050, and Sun Workstations for benchmarking and performance evaluation. Based on the results of the performance evaluation, a hardware configuration for a production system will be acquired. The production configuration may consist of several machines networked together. For example, the common command language and post-processing routines could be isolated on a back-end machine. MTC plans to stabilize a version of the DGIS and offer it as a standard DTIC service before the end of 1988. Prototype development will continue on a separate development machine, and enhanced versions of the DGIS will be made operational at selected intervals. local Automation

Model

(LAM)

The Local Automation Model (LAM) applies state-of-the-art automation to the DOD technical libraries and information centers. LAM, which has been successfully prototyped both on a minicomputer and on a super microcomputer, provides a singlepoint access to multiple databases (using gateway software); an interface with DROLS to offer a standardized cost-effective system for online shared cataloging of technical reports envisioned by the previously discussed SBIN program; and local management, including cataloging, retrieval, and materials control. Based on the prototypes, procurement specifications have been prepared for the acquisition of operational systems. The Library of Congress Contracting Office handles the procurement. Electronic

Document

System (EDS)

The concept is to design a system that will scan documents

from paper copy (and even-

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tually both paper copy and microform), digitize and convert the scanned data to ASCII code, store the data on high density magnetic and optical disks, and, on demand, electronically transfer the digital data to laser printers or other output devices for transfer to IYIIC customers. In addition, for the first time actual document content information will be available within the automated system for searching and production of special reports extracting technical information from within the technical reports themselves. Technical report image output from the system will provide a basis for employing workstation control over the processing of technical reports and other database documents. Tracking for document input status and status of reproduction orders can be accomplished through the EDS control computer. A contractual effort is underway to develop a prototype system for technical reports. A prototype system for scanning database input forms was developed and delivered in 1988. A prototype small capacity technical report scanning and digitizing system will be developed for testing in Fiscal Year 1989. Two-Sided

Microficheto-Paper

Printer

This printer is the result of a IYTIC-funded R&D effort. The printer, which can print on both sides of the paper, is faster and more reliable than those currently in use and, thus, will significantly improve productivity in the microfiche “blow-back” operations. An added benefit will be the availability of the new printer in the commercial marketplace.

DTIC TOMORROW By the year 2000, the fundamental elements of information transfer (i.e., acquisitions, storage, and dissemination) will have dramatically changed as technology changes to permit new approaches? A user will be able to access information from many physically dispersed databases; manipulate and display it in whatever manner is desired; and electronic transfer of information (e.g., textual, numeric, graphics, and drawings) will continue to advance. Use of management and decision support systems will increase, and the use of expert and knowledge-based systems will help provide the right answer to the right question, as opposed to the right answer to the wrong question as so often happens at present. The decline in the productivity growth during the past three decades has created a major challenge for the United States. At the same time that productivity has decreased, there has been an “information explosion’la rapid increase in the amount and kinds of information available. If the right information can get into the minds of the right people (scientists, engineers, managers, factory workers, and others who produce a final product) at the right time, this country can make great strides in reversing its productivity decline. Information professionals at IYTIC and elsewhere are a key element in the effort to spur national productivity. How IYTIC moves from what it is now to what it will become depends on how it views itself as an organization, how it views the communities it serves, and how these communities view IYTIC. IYTIC has a staff of information professionals whose job it is to train and provide user assistance and to receive feedback from users; participate in the development of expert and knowledge-based systems; ensure inclusion of the latest technological developments, when appropriate; and monitor system performance, modifying it to accept new technology or to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

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QUARTERLY

Vol. ~/NO. 4/1988

The late United States Senator and Vice President Hubert Humphrey said, “Information is the crucial means to the end. The goal is progress in military and civilian scientific techn010gy.“‘0 Yet John Naisbitt points out that “we are drowning in information but starvcontinue to recognize that our raison ed for knowledge.“11 This is lYTIC’s challenge-to d’etre is to determine where information resides and then do what we can to put it into the minds of individuals who need knowledge to produce more knowledge.

APPENDIX *Chemical Propulsion Laurel, Maryland (301) 953-5850

Information

-CPIA

Agency

Coastal Engineering Information Analysis Center Vicksburg, Mississippi (601) 634-3lll

-CEIAC

*chemical Warfare/Chemical-Biological Defense Information Analysis Center Edgewood, Maryland (301) 676-9030

-CBIAC

-CRSTIAC

Cold Regions Science and Technology Information Analysis Center Hanover, New Hampshire (603) 646-4221 AV 836-4221 Concrete Technology Information Vicksburg, Mississippi (601) 634-3264

Analysis

Center

-DACS

*Data and Analysis Center for Software Griffiss, Air Force Base, New York (315) 336-0937 DOD Nuclear Information Santa Barbara, California (805) 963-6441 *Guidance and Control Chicago, Illinois (312) 567-4519

Analysis

Information

-DASIAC

Center

Analysis

-crIAc

Center

-GACIAC

The Defense Technical information

339

Center

-HTMIAC

*High Temperature Materials Information Analysis Center West Lafayette, Indiana (317) 494-9393 Hydraulic Engineering Vicksburg, Mississippi (601) 634-2608

Information

Analysis

*Infrared Information and Analysis Ann Arbor, Michigan (313) 994-1200, ext. 2214 *Manufacturing Technology Chicago, Illinois (312) 567-4730 *Metals and Ceramics Columbus, Ohio (614) 424-5000

*Metals Matrix Composites Santa Barbara, California (805) 963-6475

Analysis

*Nondestructive Testing Information San Antonio, Texas (512) 522-2737

Analysis

Center

Center

-MMCIAC

-NTIAC

-PSTIAC

-PLASTEC

Plastics Technical Evaluation Center Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey (201) 724-4222 AV 880-4222

-RAc

*Reliability Analysis Center (Electronics) Griffiss Air Force Base, New York (315) 330-4151 AV 587-4151 Analysis

-MTIAC

-MCIC

Analysis

Pavement and Soils Trafficability Information Analysis Center Vicksburg, Mississippi (601) 634-3111

Soil Mechanics Information Vicksburg, Mississippi (601) 634-3111

Center

Center

Information

-HEIAC

-IRIA

Center

Information

Information

Center

Center

-SMIAC

GOVERNMENT

340

INFORMATION

*lYTIC funding,

-TACTEC

Center

program

Vol. ~/NO. 4fl988

-SURVIAC

*Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (513) 255-4840 AV 7854840 Tactical Technology Columbus, Ohio (614) 424-5047

QUARTERLY

administration

For more information about the IAC Program Defense Technical Information Center ATTN: IYTIC-DF, IAC Program Manager Alexandria, Virginia 22304-6145 (202) 274-6260, AV 284-6260

contact:

NOTES AND REFERENCES 1. Department of Defense. Directive 3200.12, DOD Scientific and Technical Information Program (Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 1983), p. 2. 2. Ibid. 3. Kurt Molholm and Linda McGinnis. “U.S. Defense Scientific and Twhnical Information Center,” Proceedings of the International Defense Conference (IDIC) held in Boston, MA, in 1986 (Alexandria, VA: IYl’IC, 1987) (AD180). 4. Congress. Senate. Committee on Government Operations. Coordination of Information on Current Scientific Research and Development Supported by the United States Government: Administrative and Scientific Problems and Opportunities of Cent& Registmtion of Research Projects in Science and Engineering. S. Report 263 (Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1961), p. 2. 5. President. Science Advisory Committee. Science, Government, and Information: Ike Responsibilities of the Technical Community and the Government in the Transfer of Information (Washington, DC.: GPO, 1963). 6. Defense Technical Information Center. Dl7C Retrievaland Indexing Tktninology (DRITJ. DTICH 4185. I (Alexandria, VA: DTIC, 1987) (AD Al76 000). 7. Defense Technical Information Center. Subject Categorization Guide for Defense Science and Technology, IYTIC TR 86/18 (Alexandria, VA: DTIC, 1986) (AD A171 650). 8. Ibid. 9. Defense Technical Information Center. DTIC 2&W: A Corpomfe Plan for the Future, DTIC TR 84/3 (Alexandria, VA: DTIC, 1984) (AD Al43 900). 10. Congress. Coordination of Information on Current Scientific Research and Development , p. v. ll. John Naisbitt, Megatrends (New York: Warner Books, 1982), p. 24.