Compatibility of ISAR Systems

1) Identify the principle issues of compatibility of ISAR system.
The compatibility of ISAR systems should be based on :
i) users need for information
ii) processing of information and documents according to the user needs
iii) flow of information carries to immediate information needs
iv) storage, retrieval and dissemination aspects of information banks
v) human element as generator, mediator, and user of information
vi) information system elements
vii) management of information system
viii) technical compatibility of communication process and operation
ix) information languages used.

2) What is Interoperability?
Interoperability refers to the ability of information systems to operate in conjunction with each other encompassing communication protocols, hardware software, application, and data compatibility layers. It also means the ability of different types of computers, networks, operating systems, and applications to work together effectively, without prior communication, in order to exchange information in a useful and meaningful manner. Interoperability in information systems refers to
the ability of two or more systems to exchange information and to mutually use the information that has been exchanged. For example, if the library OPAC records are in the ISO2709 format and use the same bibliographic data formats such as MARC21 for bibliographic description then the two are truly interoperable and data can be freely exchanged between the two.

3) Enumerate different tasks involved in compatibility process of ISARs.
The different tasks involved in the compatibility of ISAR systems are :
i) Methods, techniques and organisation involved in generation, storage, search and dissemination.
ii) Dealing with problems like standardisation, legal aspects, effectiveness etc.
iii) Promotional activities
iv) Scientific compacting processes
v) Compatibility between variety of sources of information
vi) Matching of information needs of the users with the information contained in the documents.
4) Enumerate the resources that are to be considered for compatibility during the Resource Planning Phase.
The four types of resources needs to be taken into consideration while planning for ISAR systems. They are :
i) Inputs — materials, supplies, energy and service
ii) Facilities and equipment — capital investment
iii) Personnel
iv) Money

KEYWORDS
Common Communication : It is bibliographic exchange format useful for Format (CCF) libraries and information centres developed by UNISIST.
Compatibility of  Information System: Adaptability of Information Systems in various  environments.
Dublin Core : A set of 17 elements prescribed for description of web resources
Interoperability : Interoperability refers to the ability of information systems to operate in conjunction with each other encompassing communication protocols, hardware software, application, and data compatibility layers.
TQM : Total Quality Management is a modern technique of quality management and quality
assurance that takes care of performance of whole system and its components or subsystems.
UNIMARC : Universal machine-readable catalogue — a standard development under the auspices of a working group set up by IFLA.

Source: IGNOU Study Material