This paper discusses the role of information in national development, addressing such issues as for whom and for what purposes information is needed in developing countries, the impact of the information explosion on the Third World, and the problems inherent in current national and international information infrastructures. A series of statements…

The three papers in this collection were presented during the meeting of the Section on Research and Theory. In the first paper, "BIEF: A North-South Knowledge Transfer Tool," Suzanne Richer examines the vital importance of scientific and technical information (STI) for developing countries, and notes that BIEF (Banque internationale…

First, current educational information policies and programs at a regional level are discussed; then the educational information activities of UNESCO and of IBE are examined in some detail. Finally the solutions to the problems outlined are examined in the light of the UNISIST principles for action. (Author)

Examines microcomputer uses by United Nations to make information accessible to users in member states and steps promoting international information system microcomputer use. Discussion covers bibliographic and nonbibliographic applications, related software and hardware information handling packages, and problems of linking microcomputers with…

This paper presents the history, current status, and future development of eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries Direct)--a large-scale project run by the Soros Foundations Network and the Open Society Institute. The project aims to provide libraries in developing countries with access to a menu of electronic information resources. In 1999,…

This paper describes the major international agricultural information services, sources, and systems; outlines the existing information situation in Tanzania as it relates to problems of agricultural development; and reviews the improvements in information provision resources required to support the process of agricultural development in Tanzania.…

This conference report presents the discussions and recommendations of the 290 participants representing 76 nations who met at the first SPIN conference to exchange experiences in strategies and policies for the dissemination of information via networks based on the linking of computers with telecommunications, and to identify ways and means of…

Discusses access to information through merging computers and new communications technology and its influence in developing nations. Highlights include a case study of InterNet/LACRIP (Latin American Cancer Research Information Project), a microcomputer-based international network involving institutions in the United States and Latin America that…

This report describes the pilot program for SPINES, a computerized system for collecting, selecting, analysing, and disseminating documents and factual data that have a direct bearing on policy-making, arrangement, transfer, and assessment in science and technology. This data is needed in developing policies for the advancement of science and…

Discusses the need for access to scientific and technical information to attain national development goals in the Asia Pacific region, and outlines the objectives and program areas of a regional information network established by Unesco. Problems with the current system and future needs are identified. (CLB)

Highlights problems facing academic and research libraries in Ghana in providing scientific and technical information. Challenges include poor collections and inadequate funding. Topics include library cooperation, training in interlibrary lending and document delivery in the United Kingdom and in Denmark, and the need for CD-ROM databases and…