This document on the planning and implementation of national information policies is addressed primarily to decision-makers and planners in governments and public institutions, which are increasingly faced with the problem of formulating policies appropriate to the growing importance of information as an essential national resource. Designed to provide guidance to those whose duty it is to translate information policy into ongoing activities, the document highlights the variables involved, illuminates problem areas, emphasizes questions, and identifies for its users the essential elements for designing information policies for their particular socioeconomic environment. The guidelines concentrate on major problems and address the following questions: identification of information requirements; means of satisfying information requirements; promotion of effective use of information; a basic policy statement with regard to the provision of information; information policy-making procedures; the implementation of information policy; and the national information coordinating organization. An introduction, which presents the rationale for a national information policy, an executive summary, and a 10-item bibliography are included. (THC)