Mexico's national biomedical bibliography: a proposal for the setting-up of a computer-based indexing system

The planning, design and implementation stages of a computer-based approach to the indexing of the biomedical bibliography in Mexico are described; a proposal for an index to be set up at Mexico's National Health Information and Documentation Centre (CENIDS). Factors such as Mexico's biomedical information production; local information needs; and establishment of objectives/goals of the indexing system are described as relevant indicators to be considered at the planning stage. General computer and non-computer functions, as well as two possible alternatives to the design stage are proposed. A 'phase approach' implementation is also advised. Finally, several information management and organization factors are described as the benefits derived from this proposal; transference of national knowledge; current awareness services and international collaboration, among others.