Automation System For MARDI Research Information Dissemination

Abstract

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development was established in 1969 to conduct study in every agricultural and food scopes except for rubber, palm oil and cacao or cocoa. Along with research activity, the generated out in from of information need to be distribute to public in order to ensure the growth of agricultural sector. Along with development of information technology, automation for knowledge has become crucial to ensure the effectiveness of information dissemination. This paper report on automation system for distribution of MARDI research information using selected system known as Electronic Library System (ELIB). All hardcopies of research information were undergone digitation and digitalization procedures using dedicated scanner brand of CZUR M3000 before being transferred to the system. Later, the produced data in form of digital softcopy was further combined using Portable Document Format (PDF). The digital data was further converted to electronic publication (ePUB) format due to its versatility. The data was further upload to ELIB system that consist of several main technical features which include system overview, core functional modules, analytics and reporting engine, infrastructure and deployment, optional add-ons and custom modules. After five years operating, the system has gained popularity and interest among users. Since the system operated in year 2021, until May 2025, more than 1500 visitors were recorded as registered user with total spending time up to 6,076 minutes and a total flip of 44,104 pages. The total borrowed books from year 2021 until May 2025 were 1,239 which could represent 79% of registered users. Based on the data obtained, the automation system which contain MARDI research information has gain interest by public and useful for dissemination of it.