The course presented in this handbook has four major objectives: (1) to define the nature and environment of information consolidation and describe its role and potential benefits; (2) to survey characteristics of users, methods for user studies, and procedures for marketing and dissemination of information consolidation products and services; (3) to provide a description of and training in various methods for producing information consolidation products for professionals and policy makers; technicians, workers, and communicators/intermediaries; and community groups and mass/popular use; and (4) to provide an overview of elements involved in the establishment and management of information consolidation units and a perspective for information consolidation in different environments. Directed primarily at instructors, educational decision-makers and administrators, especially in developing nations, the handbook begins with a brief description of the course and definitions of information consolidation. An introduction then provides a general description of the role of information in development and the associated information problems that serve as a framework for information consolidation activities. The course description--the major part of the document--is presented in three parts: (1) the design aspects of the course, including its rationale, purpose and objectives, and structure; (2) the course syllabus, which is presented in 13 chapters, each corresponding to a topic treated in the course; and (3) implementation, which includes the organization, presentation, and evaluation of the course. The appendix provides a selective list of organizations in different regions of the world engaged in information consolidation to serve as possible contacts. (29 references) (CGD)