A large-scale selective dissemination of information (SDI) system which is in operation at the Agricultural Research Service is described. The unique characteristic of this system is that the users develop and modify their own profiles. The implications of this user-dependent approach for information system planners are discussed. (2 references)…

Identifies 14 barriers that delay or impede information flow to libraries and users: publishing delay, inferior quality of information, information congestion, information dispersal, poor use of nonprint, inconsistent publication standards, terminology, ownership, suspected existence of information barriers, searching strategy, foreign language,…

Pollution of natural resources such as information is the result of inefficient use of those resources and misplacement of those resources after use. Information workers must make judgements or assign priorities to information to ensure its use to serve the cause of a humane rationality. (1 reference) (Author)

Provides an overview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966 which established the rights of private citizens to obtain information from the federal government and the obligations of the government to provide it. Types of information generally made available, exemptions from disclosure, and creative uses of FOIA are noted. (Author/JEG)

Describes the development of a prototype database of federal food, agriculture, and nutrition programs: preliminary work; database design, including the identification of data elements; and data collection and processing. The uses of the database and suggestions for enhancing its future usefulness are discussed. (Author/JD)

Outlines the kinds of contributions picture postcards can make to library or museum materials, particularly to historical files as documentation of certain aspects of history. Various methods for putting collections of cards in order are described, from general policies concerning use and disposal, to sorting, indexing, and housing. (Author)

Examined is the evolving definition and interpretation of national security as it is applied to the control of security-classified documents and as manifested by Federal employee attitudes toward dissemination of nonsecurity classified documents. The role of the special librarian or information scientist in the transfer process is also examined.…

A survey of the information use and communication patterns of physicists. Includes tables on: sources of information; journal use, importance, and subscriptions; preferred study areas; and library use. (LS)

The University of Georgia Information Dissemination Center is profiled. Emphasis is on the organization and services of the system which primarily serves 27 state supported schools in Georgia. Based on a recent survey, the impact of the service on the users is discussed. (DH)

Over 53 percent of 159 NASA-Small Business Administration clients and industrial clients, surveyed for dollar costs and benefits of online computerized literature searches, identified dollar benefits. A direct ratio between benefits derived and client dollars invested, averaging 2.9 to 1, was demonstrated. Data tables are presented. (Author/JD)

A survey of the different technical communications and information-related activities of 305 engineers and scientists from 3 sites of the Philips Laboratory, an Air Force research and development laboratory, found that scientists have a closer affinity for libraries and traditional information sources than do engineers. Eight tables depict survey…

Considers the pace of contemporary economic, technological, social, and political change in relation to the role of information management as a means for dealing with the increase in the complexity of society. The factors that permit librarians to metamorphose into information managers are reviewed. A 13-item reference list is included. (JL)

Describes E. Frank Harrison's model of decision making and discusses its implications for decision making by librarians and information managers. Questions relating to decision quality, group size, reward and penalty mechanisms, group norms, and the place of information science in the study of decision making are addressed. Nine references are…

Discusses the value of information-based services in today's global economy. The combination of information technology with library and information services at an international accounting and auditing firm is described; the Global Information Network is explained; and the importance of the appropriate use of information is discussed. (LRW)

Use of selective dissemination of information (SDI) by 156 research scientists at 6 corporate research and development facilities was surveyed to assess its relationship to research productivity as measured by the number of papers authored. Findings showed that 70 percent of the scientists use SDI, and regular users are more productive than either…