Prepared by two Unesco consultants following a one-month visit requested by the People's Republic of China, this report presents observations and advice for the development of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC). The objectives of the mission were to advise on the functional structure of the institute; advise on…

Written to provide an understanding of the broad base of information on which the artificial intelligence (AI) branch of computer science rests, this publication presents a general view of AI, the concepts from which it evolved, its current abilities, and its promise for research. The focus is on a community of projects that use the SUMEX-AIM…

A comprehensive review of the current status, prospects, and problems of computer networking in higher education is presented from the perspectives of both computer users and network suppliers. Several areas of computer use are considered including applications for instruction, research, and administration in colleges and universities. In the…

This study of the role of the Library of Congress (LC) in the emerging national information network analyzed data gathered from 23 libraries and network organizations, and found that LC should assume leadership in network development activities by performing the major coordinating role in applying technology and acquiring funding for the technical…

The National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) met on May 7, 1976, to hear reports on copyrights as they apply to computers and the information industry. The first spokesman was the president of Educational Communications (EDUCOM), a consortium of colleges and universities collaborating on the distribution and use…

When planning or assessing formal scientific and technical information (STI) systems for research and development (R&D) laboratories, it is distorting and unhelpful to think in terms of "users" and "non-users." It is accurate and helpful to think in terms of services to informal groups--groups composed of both direct and indirect users. These…

There are several research areas basic to the long-range future of human communications. Telecommunication and transportation offer the possiblity of two worldwide communications networks whose interrelationships need to be explored in terms of the needs of the individual, the community, and the world at large. Expanding possibilities of…

A plan is presented for a long-range research program, the objective of which will be to identify technical information problems and policies relating to Federal libraries and information services, to determine priorities among those issues requiring attention, and to develop research designs for each project recommended. The program is presented…

This paper briefly describes the organization of a "data bank" containing research on communication networks, specifies the kinds of information compiled about various network properties, discusses some specific results of the work done to date, and presents some general conclusions about the overall project and its potential advantages to…

A descriptive summary is given of the technical characteristics of existing computer networks, including data communication technology and configuration related to support of resource sharing services for a computer network. Included are discussions of terminal support capabilities for the communications network and a development of relevant…

Established in 1968, The European Documentation and Information System for Education (EUDISED) has passed through several developmental stages. Initially, early attempts to apply computer techniques to educational documentation and information were not coordinated between European countries. Interest in the American ERIC system resulted in two…

This article discusses similarities between the local bulletin board system (BBS) and the public library. Highlights include components of the small BBS (system operator, host computer, "messaging" software, auto-answer device, connection to one or more phone lines); uploading and downloading; notes from the board; and the role of the…

Notes four Ages of Access to published knowledge--Individual, Local, National, and International--and considers impact of computers and electronic technology. Speed of access, automatic catalogs, digital text storage and transmission, need for observance of common standards and procedures, international cooperation, and worldwide system of…

Discusses two major categories of problems relating to literature access in developing and peripheral countries--inability to access/use secondary services and inability to obtain relevant primary literature in timely and cost-efficient fashion. Two approaches for solutions involving regional and subregional networks are suggested. Eight sources…

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)