National Industrial Information Centre
Offering Industrial Information and Consultancy Services
Introduction
The National Industrial Information Centre (NIIC) was established in July 1996, following the major restructuring of Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute.
NIIC is the information data bank for the institute and its function is to collect, analyze, store, and disseminate industrial and technological information to relevant industrialists, research scientists and those whom may deem necessary at the right time.
Vision
The vision of the centre is to become an excellent industrial information centre for industrial research activities for the institute by providing a conducive environment for research and development.
Mission
In conformity with its objectives, NIIC aims to become an efficient tool in the identification, collection, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination of industrial and technological information to users at national, regional and international level.
General objective
To improve industrial and technological information transfer in Kenya.
Specific objectives
- To establish and update Industrial and Technological Information databanks for production of
· Directories
· Profiles of Technology
· Bibliographies
· Research Catalogue
- To establish an Industrial and Technological Information network with Small Medium Scale Enterprises in the following sub sectors
· Ceramics and building materials
· Energy & Environment
· Food
· Information and Communication Technology
· Leather and Textiles
- To establish a local, Regional and International networks for information Exchange
- To provide Industrial and Technological Information services to the Industry and Small and medium scale enterprises.
Library hours
Monday- Friday 8am- 5pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays closed.
Services offered
NIIC strength lies with its modern information technology facility.
The centre currently provides the following services.
- Reference and information services
- Current Awareness Services
- Selective Dissemination of Information
- Interlibrary loan services
- Binding services
- 0nline searching (e-journals)
- Lending and receiving books
- Photocopying and printing services
- Archival services
- Formulation and preparation of project proposals in industrial information
- Assistance in the choice, configuration and mastering of computer hardaware and software
- Extension services
- Conference services
Membership
Membership of the centre is open to all KIRDI staff and its employees. The service is also open to the public upon registration.
Collection
The centre has a wide variety of materials including both print and electronic format. These include:
a) Documentation
- Brochures
- Directory of manufacturing industries in Kenya
- Directory of sources of industrial and technological information in Kenya.
- Research catalogues
- Annual reports
- KIRDI newsletters
- Discussion papers
- Various visibility studies
- Project reports
b) Databases
The centre has a number of computerized databases covering the wide ranges of industrial and technological information, these include:
KEIN- Directory of manufacturing industries in Kenya
KIDOS- Contains all library holdings
SITI- Sources of industrial and technical information
Online searches
In support of industrial development, the centre offers a wide range of E-Journal searches and retrieval to the staff research scientist.
Computers
The library has a number of computers available for online searching of books and journals and C-D ROM Databases by users.
The centre also currently is in automation process to facilitate quick access and retrieval of information.
Classification
The library uses Dewey decimal classification scheme to organize its collection. Resources are catalogued using the Anglo-American cataloguing rules AACR2
The NIIC staff
The centre is manned by well qualified members of staff who are willing and ready to assist all users at any time.
Collaboration
NIIC collaborates with relevant experts in National R and D institutions as well as regional and international organization agencies.