A primer on information science introduces the study of how information is transmitted to the person who needs it and how it is later stored and retrieved. Beginning with the history of information as it was used by early man, the booklet summarizes the rapid development of new information technologies, with illustrations and in terms that can be easily understood by the average layman. Some of the technologies reviewed include: computer systems--punched cards, magnetic tapes, and computer languages and programs; communications systems--telephone, cable, microwave, and satellite; and microforms--types of microfilms, holography, viewing and copying, and computer-microform systems. Finally, there is a glossary of terms and a list of additional readings in the area. (WDR)