The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) has announced the availability of its newly revised NTIS Bibliographic Database Search Guide, downloadable for free at http://www.ntis.gov/pdf/dbguid.pdf. The NTIS is the federal government’s central source for the sale of scientific, technical, engineering, and related business information produced by or for the US government.
The newly revised Search Guide provides valuable information for productive and cost-effective use of the NTIS Bibliographic Database. The Search Guide can be used to view a list of NTIS Subject Categories, as well as other helpful information and search hints; review quick reference materials from a variety of online commercial services; peruse quick reference materials for the new National Technical Reports Library (NTRL); serve as a reference manual for users, or a teaching tool at training seminars; minimise ‘false hits,’ which are common to such large and varied databases; and gain in-depth understanding of the database structure.
Containing over 2.0 million bibliographic records, the NTIS Database claims to be the preeminent resource for accessing the latest research sponsored by the US and select foreign governments. The Database represents billions of dollars in research. Content includes research reports, computer products, software, video cassettes, audio cassettes and more. The complete electronic file dates back to 1964. On average, NTIS adds over 30,000 new records per year to the Database. Most records include abstracts.
