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Name of creator

Scientific Information Service, SIS

Administrative history

In 1955, the Information Service was attached to the Scientific and Technical Services Division (STS) directed by Dr L. Kowarski. This division was also responsible for the instrumentation (electronic and visual technologies), for the electronic computer and the main workshop.

At that time, the Information Service was in charge of :

• the library comprising about 2,000 books, 300 volumes of bound periodicals, 2,300 copies of reports and 166 current periodicals,
• publication and exchange of CERN reports,
• the publication and distribution of press releases, organisation of interviews, contact with journalists, science writers, film agencies, and radio services,
• the preparation and publication of descriptive leaflets,
• exhibitions visits for individual or groups.

In 1956, it was decided under review to transfer the CERN Public relation (visits, relations with the Press, exhibitions, publishing and distribuing photographic documents for general information purposes) under the direct authority of the Director-General's office.

In 1960, Scientific and Technical Services became Data Handling Division (DD).

In 1980, the CERN Historical and Scientific Archives was created and integrated into the Scientific Information and Publications Group in the DD Division.

In 1982, the Scientific Information Services was moved from the Data Handling Division to the newly created Documentation Department DOC.

In 1986, SIS formerly in DOC was added to the Theory Division (TH).

From 1990 to 1999, Scientific Information Services moved to the new division Administrative Support AS.

In 2000 SIS group integrated a new division called Education and Technology Transfer (ETT).

In 2004, ETT was discontinued and SIS group joined the Directorate Services Unit (DSU).

In 2009 the CERN management changed and adopted a new organisational structure. The SIS became part of the General Insfrastructure Services Department (GS).

The SIS group has its mandate the management of the Library and the Historical and Scientific Archives of CERN. It should acquire and manage information resources in all fields of relevance to the Organization, and make these accessible in the most convenient way to the worldwide particle physics community. It should provide services for obtaining information which is not directly available on site. It should advise CERN divisions on the best ways of ensuring that all relevant documents are made publicly available. It is also responsible for the distribution of CERN publications (CERN Reports and other documents). It is responsible for safeguarding documents and files of potential interest to the Organization and for historical research. It should provide information about and access to the archived material. It should advise CERN divisions and collaborations in archival issues and records management.

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Günther, Alfred