Abstract
M.Bibl. (Information Studies)
Traditionally it is part of the library or information service to provide clients with access to
current and relevant information through current awareness services. It is part of the
information professional's task to apply new technology and necessary services to the
advantage of the clients.
The purpose of this study was to establish, by means of empirical research, the
effectiveness of CoMIC - an abstracting journal service currently provided to the mining
industry. Other institutions providing a similar abstracting journal service should be able
to use this methodology as a basis when evaluating their own service.
Both a literature survey (to gain basic information about current awareness services in
general and more specifically abstracting journals) and a postal questionnaire (to
establish clients' opinions about the CoMIC service) were used during the study.
From the literature survey it was established that the use of an effective current
awareness service holds a variety of advantages. There are however also a few problems
associated with the provision of current awareness services. These problems are
surpassable providing the necessary precautions are taken in time. The criteria to which
abstracting journals are to adhere were established.
The purpose of the questionnaire was to give clients the oportunity to express their
personal views with regard to the CoMIC service. The most important information
extrapolated from the questionnaire was that respondents were satisfied with most
aspects of the service. Recommendations with regard to alleviating a few minor
problems were provided.
After an analysis of the research results, it was concluded that CoMIC should be classified as an effective abstracting journal service.