Common Communication Format (CCF)

Common Communication Format (CCF)

i) Tab

iii) Starting character position

iv) Implementation defined section

c) Data Fields: In the CCF a data field is defined as consisting of-

i) Indicator

ii) Sub Fields: A sub field consists of a subfield identifier followed by a data string which is terminated by either another sub field identifier or a field separator.

iii) Field Separator: The field separator is that character which constitutes the final character of every data field except for the final data field in the record.

iv) Record Separator: The record separator is that character which makes the end of the final data field in the record and constitutes the final character of the record.

B) Limitation of the CCF: CCF is not designed to meet the requirement of all types of libraries and information organizations for local implementation. It is also not expected that institutes will use CCF record format for internal storage and processing purpose. The major limitations of CCF are-

a) It is not sufficiently detailed in its definition and coverage of all data elements necessary for creating a bibliographical database for an individual library.

b) It does not include its cataloguing rules nor does it align itself with any particular cataloguing code or set of rules oriented towards a specific or fixed type of information output form.

c) Except for standard CCF fields CCF recommends the use of alphanumeric code for tags but it may not be possible to use alphanumeric code for tags in all cases (eg when library system uses CDS/ISIS, this recommendation cannot be implemented).

d) Though in CCF further addition of the new data elements and their respective content designator is possible, the unrestricted interpolation by different users can create complication for exchanging data among libraries. In such cases, the content designators of newly added data elements are likely to vary which may cause inconvenience for exchanging data from one database to another.

Communication

The Oxford English Dictionary defines communication as “the imparting, conveying or exchange of ideas and knowledge whether by speech, writing or signs”.

            The Columbia Encyclopaedia of Communication defines it as “the transfer of thought and message as contrasted with transportation of goods and person”.

            In ordinary usage the verb “to communicate” means

i) To exchange thoughts, feelings, information;

ii) To make known;

iii) To make common;

iv) To have a sympathetic relationship.

In the noun form “communication” refers to

i) The exchange of symbols, common message, information;

ii) The process of exchange between individual through a common system of symbols;

iii) The art of expressing ideas and

iv) The science of transmitting information.

            In the popularly understood sense of the term communication refers to anything from a face to face conversion between two persons, conversion over the telephone, and correspondence between friends. The transmission of programmes on live television are broadcast via communication satellite i.e received by millions of people.

            Quite often two or more channels may be used together for effective communication and the channels of dissemination may form a series of alternative routes, through the total communication system.

Communication is a process of transferring message from one point to another. The four element of any communication process are the reader, the medium, the receiver and the feedback. In Library and Information Science several models of communication are used in the dissemination of information through e-mail, post, telephone line, through oral verbal communication, videoconferencing etc.