Discusses Portuguese information sector (computers, libraries, specialized information services), which is described as very underdeveloped in comparison with other European countries. Highlights include computer applications in information services including national industrial database, INFOLNETI; access to international databases; official…

Discussion of national information policy focuses on Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Documents from the two countries that were reviewed to examine policy provisions related to library and information services are listed, and Malaysia's national policy on library and information services is presented as a model for other developing countries. (Contains…

Discusses the basis for idea of harmonizing initial education of entrants to information professions. Progress toward coordination of curriculum, which is rare in developed countries although being adopted in schools in developing nations, is sketched from UNESCO discussions of 1974 through current activities of non-governmental organizations.…

Reviews recent attempts to survey and coordinate United Kingdom library and information resources to obtain more overseas contracts for the supply of library and information skills and services. A pilot group targeting European opportunities is described, and future directions are discussed. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Continued existence of Unesco is threatened by United States withdrawal in 1984, and British threat to follow suit in 1985, because of alleged mismanagement and politicization. Effects on Unesco's Medium-Term Plan, 1984-89, including programs in communication and information, are unclear. Statements of professional association support and eight…

Use of online bibliographic databases in Mexico is provided through Servicio de Consulta a Bancos de Informacion, a public service that provides information retrieval, document delivery, translation, technical support, and training services. Technical infrastructure is based on a public packet-switching network and institutional users may receive…

Outlines history of the development of the Unesco Common Communication Format, which is designed to enable exchange of records (monographs, serials, journal articles, contributions in proceedings) between different agencies throughout the world. Highlights include definition of "exchange format," major technical features, and examples of…

In 1975, Unesco's Computerized Documentation System was combined with Integrated Set of Information Systems to create a comprehensive collection of programs for input, management, and output. The system is being used to support an Integrated Documentation Network within Unesco and micro and minicomputer versions are soon to be released.…

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Outlines a strategy for marketing the information products and services of the Water and Sanitation Information and Documentation Centre (MAJIDOC) of the Water Resources Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Objectives of the marketing strategy are explained, ideas for internal and external promotion are described, and a budget plan is included.…

Presents comparative survey of development of national information infrastructures and formulation of national information policy in India and China. Highlights include influence of foreign models, library and information work traditions, indigenous development, existing organizational structures for scientific and technological information, and…

Discusses the interdependence of telecommunications and information sciences in Brazil. Highlights include new technologies and telecommunications: satellites, fiber optic cables, data communication networks, information superhighways, and cooperative projects; and information services development. (AEF)

Discusses the need to market information services in Africa and examines some of the obstacles to the use of library and information services. Highlights include technological changes; management issues, including a negative image of librarians; marketing information to a population with low use of libraries; the role of governments; and culture…

The British Council Global Cataloging Service was initiated in 1980 to reduce duplication of cataloging same titles in council libraries abroad. Each of 56 council libraries participating in system receives list of new accessions and updated microfiche catalog. Portugal was one of the first six countries chosen to test the system. (EJS)

Describes and illustrates the main characteristics and methods of data collection and analysis used in compiling the National Register of Current Research, a major element of the Unesco pilot project initiated in the Sudan for the creation of an information service on research in progress. Eight sources are given. (EJS)