The online divide: a professional user's perspective on Derwent database development in the online era

摘要

The way in which users' early online experiences with Derwent's World Patents Index influenced the development of the database from the late 1970s up to the present time is reviewed. Topics covered include: the pre-online situation―paper format, microform and punch card codes, the impact of online delivery, subscriber liaison, chemical coding enhancements, and some current issues. The author concludes that much has changed since the 1970s, but much remains to be done, and that current rapid changes in the patent information industry are also likely to significantly affect these databases.