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)

This review surveys the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies that deals with their perception of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information (STI) in relation to social and economic development. It explores five major areas: (1) recognition of STI as it is expressed through…

Provides a background for discussion of the lack of information policies in underdeveloped nations. The paper primarily refers to the conditions and problems of less developed countries, although it is observed that all countries are to a large extent underdeveloped in their information policies. (25 references) (MAB)

Presents the generalized conclusions from analytical case studies undertaken by UNESCO and the United Nations Interim Fund for Science and Technology for Development (IFSTD) on the needs and options for access to scientific and technical information in eight developing countries. (Author/JL)

Discusses processes involved in development, operation, and utilization of bibliographic databases--design, data collection, processing, access, and use--and assesses their relevance to developing countries. Utilization of other countries' databases, use of services of organizatons in other countries, and participation in a cooperative system are…

This survey and analysis of the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies focuses on their perceptions of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information for social and economic development. Constituencies represented include both users and purveyors of information, and planners and…

Bibliographic control of information in the social sciences is examined, and the transfer of social science information from the Western countries to the Third World is discussed. (RM)

Many developing countries are now making substantial gains in developing databases on their education system. This book focuses on strengthening the link between improvements in information with better practice at the school level. It provides a synthesis of lessons learned from recent experience and research in collecting, analyzing, and using…

The introduction to this UNISIST seminar report discusses problems in training present and potential users of scientific and technical information and emphasizes the importance of better recognition and formulation of information needs in order to effectively assess and use available libraries, information systems, and services. Papers presented…

This paper discusses human communication and information in the context of Zambia's national environment, with an emphasis on the relationship between human communication and information transmission using modern technology. The place of the information user in the planning process is considered, and the important roles of internal and external…

Describes information system being developed by Unesco's General Information Program and Brazilian Institute for Information Science and Technology to overcome lack of timely, relevant data to support national information decision making. Principles and examples of practical applications of the system are presented. Prospects and requirements for…

User training experiences in Asian countries, using the UNISIST guidelines for training users of scientific and technical information, are reported through summaries of discussions following the presentation of papers, as well as the texts of the papers. Participants, including users, user trainers, and information handlers, heard these papers:…

Implications of the "Information Age" of telecommunications and microprocessing for global issues are examined. Presently, the Japanese, British, and French are leaders in the development of information software and in the creative fashioning of new institutional arrangements to use the new systems. In the West, the implications of an information…

This article addresses the conditions of developing countries which must be taken into account in developing information strategies for their public and educational institutions or projects. Its central argument is that newer information science concepts, although they demand technological and conceptual sophistication, can be useful in the…

Noting that under-utilization of information services and systems in developing countries has recently been confirmed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) surveys and studies, this paper discusses problems and issues leading to this under-utilization, and examines approaches and actions that could help…