The National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC), a division of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), serves as India’s premier national hub for research information and documentation in the social sciences. Established in 1970, NASSDOC plays a vital role in supporting scholars, educators, and research institutions by providing access to comprehensive academic and policy-related information resources.
Mission and Role
NASSDOC’s mission is to strengthen social science research by ensuring that scholars have access to the right information at the right time. It provides a range of documentation, information retrieval, reference, and research support services that enhance the visibility and accessibility of social science knowledge generated across India.
Functions and Key Activities
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Acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of books, theses, reports, and digital resources in social sciences.
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Maintenance of bibliographic and reference databases to help researchers locate relevant literature.
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Provision of literature search, document delivery, interlibrary loan, and reprography services.
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Support to ICSSR Regional Centres and Institutes in developing and sharing research information resources.
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Conducting training programmes, workshops, and continuing education to enhance research and information management skills.
Collections and Digital Resources
NASSDOC houses a rich collection of over 19,000 books, 5,400 doctoral theses, 3,900 research project reports, and 12,500 bound journals along with microfilms and special collections. Its digital infrastructure includes access to major online databases and e-resources under ICSSR’s subscriptions and the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative.
Key digital platforms developed by NASSDOC include:
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ICSSR E-Library & Digital Research Resources
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WebOPAC (Online Catalogue)
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ICSSR Data Service
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Directory of Open Access Social Science Resources
These platforms provide seamless nationwide access to e-books, e-journals, datasets, and research materials.
Membership and Access
NASSDOC offers membership to researchers, academicians, students, and institutions with flexible options for consultation and borrowing.
By becoming a member, research scholars gain access to specialized materials, online databases, bibliographic tools, and personalized research support. Membership also enables use of the Reading Room, document delivery, and other advanced information services.
For details on membership categories and benefits, visit
👉 www.icssr.org/nassdoc
Training and Capacity Building
NASSDOC conducts regular training and orientation programmes on data access, management, and research information services under ICSSR’s Continuing Education framework. Scholars, librarians, and professionals benefit from skill enhancement in digital tools, bibliographic management, and open-access resources.
Why Join NASSDOC?
Becoming a member of NASSDOC connects you to India’s most comprehensive social science information ecosystem. It offers:
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Access to rare and high-quality research materials.
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Exposure to latest databases and digital tools.
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Assistance from professional experts in literature search and documentation.
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Opportunities for learning and collaboration through ICSSR’s national network.
Contact and Support
For further queries, please contact:
Dr. S. N. Chari,
Director,
NASSDOC–ICSSR, New Delhi
📧 nassdoc@icssr.org, nassdoclibrary@icssr.org
🌐 Visit: www.icssr.org/nassdoc; https://elibrary.icssrnassdoc.org/
