CDS ISIS

CDS ISIS (Computerized Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information Systems) was a database management system initially developed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in the late 1970s. It was designed primarily for bibliographic databases, allowing institutions, especially in developing countries, to manage and disseminate information resources.

CDS ISIS utilizes a free-format text structure, making it adaptable to different data types beyond bibliographic records. It employs an inverted file structure for fast retrieval of information based on keywords or specific fields.

The software became widely popular due to its free distribution and relative ease of use, especially in the context of limited technological infrastructure and resources. UNESCO provided training and support for CDS ISIS, fostering its adoption in libraries, documentation centers, and research institutions across the globe.

Key features of CDS ISIS included:

• Data Entry and Editing: Tools for creating and modifying database records.
• Indexing: Automatic generation of indexes for fast searching.
• Searching and Retrieval: Boolean operators and other search functionalities.
• Formatting and Printing: Capabilities for generating reports, catalogs, and other outputs.
• Networking: Support for sharing databases over local area networks.

While CDS ISIS played a significant role in information management for many years, particularly in the pre-internet era, its use has gradually declined due to the emergence of more modern and robust database systems and web-based solutions. Many organizations have migrated their CDS ISIS databases to other platforms. A successor, known as GenISIS, sought to provide a more user-friendly Windows-based interface, but did not achieve the same widespread adoption. Despite its diminished presence, CDS ISIS remains an important chapter in the history of database management and information access, especially within the context of international development.