Growth and Development:

Library and Information Center was started at the erstwhile AIIMH (All India Institute of Mental Health) in the year 1954, with an initial collection of 3775 volumes and subscription to 85 journals. In the year 1974 became National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), the collection at the library has developed in consonance with development of the institute itself both in it's scope and size.

Became National Neuroscience Information Center (NNIC) in the year 1994, with the financial support (Rs.85.00 lakhs) shared by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). The project was implemented in the year 1993.

Objectives:

• Encourage the use of information sources in the field by providing access to national and international databases
• Act as the national clearing center, in coordination with participating centers, for information services in all branches of neurosciences, behavioral sciences and allied areas
• Establish link with all important centers in the field of basic and applied neurosciences as well as behavioral sciences in India
• Create and update a comprehensive database of Indian Literature (published and unpublished) in the field of neurosciences and behavioral sciences
• Develop and conduct training programs to the users to enable them to achieve maximum utilization of the facilities and resources developed by NNIC and its participating centers
• Develop and market information products and services to meet the changing needs of neuroscientists and associated user groups, and
• To aim at attaining partial financial self-reliance by marketing services of the center for a fee.

NIC-NIMHANSNational Informatics Center (NIC), established its National Informatics Center NET (NICNET) node, with its satellite-based national network, with 64Kbps RF link providing internet and E-mail Services. NIC also has software and hardware input to this collaborative center located at National Neuroscience Information Center of NIMHANS.

A very brief view of the chronological stages of development of the library is given below:
1986 - Recognized as a participating center and HELLIS Net working.
1990 - Shifted to new independent building
1991 - Established NIC-NIMHANS information center : connected to NICNET.
1993 - Became National Neuroscience Information Center.
1995 - CD-NET, Multi-Terminal, Multi-Disk Technology.

Library and Information Center, NIMHANS is a participating center for HELLIS Network, sponsored by WHO, recognized as a Referral Center in the area of Mental Health and Neurosciences in the country.

Independent Building:

The library and information center is housed in a very modern, functional building with an area of 4044 sq. mts It has a seating capacity of 200. A conference hall is also part of the Library and Information Center.

Collection:

NNIC subscribes to over 1500 e-Journals in addition to over 350 National / International print Journals in the field. Collection includes 35,000 books and 40,000 back volumes of journals, thesis and dissertations , research reports. In order to supplement the library resources, regular contact has been established with international organizations and libraries, namely, National Library of Medicine, USA; National Institute of Mental Health, USA; World Health Organization (WHO); British Library Document Supply Center, American Library Association, and Duplicate Exchange Union, among others.

Services:

NNIC over the years has developed following services for the benefit of all mental health and neuroscience professionals in the country:

• Providing access to National /International databases.
• Analysis and consolidation of Indian data /literature in the field.
• Data input to National Medical Database (Bibliographic), called INDMED, at NIC, Delhi.
• Creation and Publishing of full text electronic Database in the field.
• Tailor- made information retrieval to both members and non-members in the field.
• Internet and E-mail services to all the faculty and students of NIMHANS.
• Reprographic and full text procurement and distribution.

Technical Staff / Contact Us: .

Dr H S Siddamallaiah, Ph.D.
Principal Library and Information Officer
Library and Information Centre
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
Post Box No 2900
Bangalore-560029, India.
Email: sidda@nimhans.kar.nic.in
Phone(O): +91-80-26995035/ 26995031
Web: http://www.nimhans.kar.nic.in

Dr B R Bhanumathi Yadav, Ph.D.
Senior Librarian
Email: bhanu@nimhans.kar.nic.in
Phone(O): +91-80-26995035/ 26995032

Mrs Lalitha Koti
Librarian
Email: lkoti@nimhans.kar.nic.in
Phone(O): +91-80-26995035/ 26995028

Mr P Sulochanan
Librarian
Email: sulochan@nimhans.kar.nic.in
Phone(O): +91-80-26995035/ 26995043

Common Email:    library@nimhans.kar.nic.in

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