It is necessary to distinguish the functions, services and products of various types of information services. For example, document centers, clearinghouses, referral centers, and special libraries deal mainly with information in a broad sense. The main function of information analysis centers, however, is to optimize the ratio of knowledge to information generated. The key activities involve the analysis, interpretation, syntheses, evaluation, and repackaging of information. These functions and services are performed by high level professional personnel and subject experts. Because of this capability to distill reliable knowledge from information, information analysis centers can play a critical role in making better use of information already generated. (CH)