CIOB evolves online library

The world's largest collection of construction management literature has been redeveloped online by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Emma Ollington CIOB library and information services manager said, "We already have over 13,000 international users utilising the service doing research for dissertations or just keeping up to date with CPD, for example. We anticipate this number to greatly increase with the addition of the new online information tools being launched. Currently the service has more than 60,000 global publications, including academic and industry research, codes of practice, technical guidance papers, management books and DVD's, as well as myriad of other information. We add on average 100 new items every month so it really is a one stop shop for construction information."

Numerous respected journals are held in the CIOB's Library and Information Service (LIS) and a number of these are being made available online in full text for CIOB members to search and access themselves. Existing users will also find access easier to the collection and services. The new web-based catalogue supports a full text search facility and a more intuitive navigation process.

The new functions provide users with greater interaction to the service. They can now make enquiries online; they will have access to pre-selected reading lists within popular hot topics, along with a fully self-managing library account.

The online information service was developed over 18 months and is the CIOB's most significant development of the library and information facility. Non CIOB members can access the system and search the site; however full access and functionality is only available to Institute members.