Reviews the state of the art in online access and possible future directions it might take, with emphasis on prospects (technological, economic, policy, and political) for the availability and benefits of online access in developing countries. Information technology, telecommunications, and local versus remote facilities are highlighted. Three…

Reviews criteria for assessment of appropriate information technology, comparing characteristics of modern information technology developed and applied in industrialized developed societies with constraints for information utilization in developing countries. Options for information technology are suggested. Four references are provided. (EJS)

Describes applications of new technology to information handling on the basis of two trends--the miniaturization of electronic circuits and the shift from analog to digital modes of communication. Information technologies discussed are microcomputers, word processors, telecommunications, storage technologies, databases, videotex, and teletext.…