Information Processing

and Handling

DOCUMENTATION

• A field of study and a profession

founded by Paul Otlet (1868-1944)

and Henri La Fontaine (1854-1943),

which is also termed documentation

science. This field changed its name

to information science in 1968.

• A set of documents provided on paper,

or online, or on digital or analog media, such

as audio tape or CDs.

• A synonym for the term document.

• Is one of the system’s which are used to

communicate, instruct and record the

information for any reference or operational

purpose.

USES …

• It facilitates effective communication

regarding the system between the

technical and the non technical users.

• It is very useful in training new users

• It plays a significant role in evaluation

process.

• It not only helps to exercise better control

over the internal and external workings of

the firm.

IMPORTANCE …

• The basic importance of documentation

is to help learn from the design,

development, implementation and re-

evaluation experience which is used to

create a record as well as help in future

evaluation or modification.

• Documentation of processes helps in

creating systematic information to

articulate the intervention strategies and

develop the flow chart of a system

• Benefit is not only enjoyed by the

system evaluated but also other similar

projects and can use the outcome as a

model in their formulation and

implementation methods.

• Documentation is also used by

agencies undertaking new and complex

forms as part of expansion of systems