The neurological information network of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness.

The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness (NINDB) has the responsibility of trying to alleviate the morbid and mortal effects of all the diseases of the nervous system and the special senses including speech, hearing, and vision. The information problem facing the NINDB is only a fraction of the total information problem of the biomedical community, but it is probably representative. The NINDB information audience has a core of about 19,000 persons, 10 percent of whom are nonclinical research scientists; 10 percent of whom are engaged in patient care, teaching, and some research; 12 percent in training (post doctoral); and 68 percent chiefly involved in the care of patients. In addition, there is an unknown number of other interested scientists. Fifty to eighty thousand journal articles, an unknown number of technical reports, and other items produced each year are potentially valuable to this group. The exact needs of each subgroup must be identified and ways developed to deliver the required information quickly, accurately, and in an easily useable form. NINDB has undertaken a large information program as a service to the biomedical community to help cope with these information problems. This program is to serve the needs of the practicing physician, the research scientist, and NINDB program analysis and planning. The Neurological Information Network is the core effort of the program.The Neurological Information Network envisions large units incorporating both information storage and retrieval and information analysis. These will be in universities with strong biomedical libraries where there are ongoing research programs in some area relevant to NINDB responsibilities. These units are to be integrated and will interact with each other and with the National Library of Medicine to avoid duplication of work. In addition to their own information analysis activities, the major documentation centers will be able to support information analysis satellites at other research centers where specific categorical research programs are underway.