This committee report contains an overview of the role of the National Science Foundation in the federal management of scientific and technical information (STINFO), with an emphasis on understanding present activities through an historical perspective. Discussed are STINFO's functions, authorities, accomplishments, and problems. The report records a growing recognition of scientific and technical information as a valuable national resource and a concomitant concern with its availability in both the public and private sectors. In order to increase the effectiveness of federal scientific and technical information activities, the report recommends a stronger leadership for coordination and minimization of duplication of effort. Among the appendices are: (1) list of acronyms for key STINFO organizations, (2) chronology of selected events, (3) synopses of major reports, (4) science information program monetary obligations, (5) Dr. Burchinal's paper on national coordination of scientific and technical information (1974), and (6) bibliography. (STS)