Information Retrieval Services

In 1973 and 1976, groups responsible for providing scientific information retrieval services were established at two institutes of the Max Planck Society (MPI of Biochemistry and MPI for Solid State Research). With support from the Administrative Headquarters, these groups soon developed into central service units for the institutes of their respective Sections (IVS-BM and IVS-CPT).

The mission of these groups was – and still is – to enable scientists of the Max Planck Society to attain precise as well as comprehensive access to worldwide research results and to assist them in the management and analysis of the respective publication data. Based on their scientific background and years of experience with major reference databases and retrieval systems, the information specialists within these service units offer research-level support in all areas of scientific information. Together with the Max Planck Digital Library (MPDL) and the libraries of the individual Max Planck Institutes, the Information Retrieval Services play a significant role towards providing the Max Planck Society with information resources and services in line with the highest international standards.

Both groups focus on the following areas:

• Searches-on-demand, using the most appropriate databases for scientific literature, patents and other research-relevant information
• Performance of bibliometric studies and citation analyses, in particular as a basis for research evaluation and research planning
• Supporting scientists in the selection and efficient application of information resources by providing advice, workshops, web-based information, etc.
• Testing new databases and retrieval systems, as well as working together with the respective producers on improvements and further developments
• Advising the MPDL regarding the inclusion of scientific databases in the central collection, but also when such resources are used for internal studies