To provide an understanding of the General Information Programme in promoting and assisting the development of information systems and services at national, regional, and international levels, this article briefly describes the organization and characteristics of PGI's work programs, as well as specific applications in Latin America and the…

Examines the justification of a national information system in Zambia. Highlights include a definition of information; types of information and forms in which it is produced, organized, and transmitted; relevance of information resources to Zambia; need for a national information policy; and the role of existing information centers. Footnotes are…

The report submitted by the Committee for the Development of Scientific and Technological Information Networks in Israel to the National Council for Research and Development in the Prime Minister's Office is summarized. This bilingual synopsis of the 210 page report is for those desiring an overall view only. The report proposes a framework for…

The purpose of this paper is to describe the profound changes which have been made in the organic structure of the Organization of American States (OAS) and in its operations in recent months and how these changes lend themselves to more effective efforts to aid the member states in the development of more adequate documentation services and in…

Based in part on a list developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for use in Afghanistan, this document presents a comprehensive checklist of items of statistical and descriptive data required for planning a national communication system. It is noted that such a system provides the vital…

This paper discusses the role of information in national development, addressing such issues as for whom and for what purposes information is needed in developing countries, the impact of the information explosion on the Third World, and the problems inherent in current national and international information infrastructures. A series of statements…

Discusses the development of a library network in Indonesia, including problems encountered due to inadequate manpower, the need for the support of a powerful national advisory committee, and the possibility of utilizing telecommunication facilities in the future. (CWM)

A questionnaire was sent in 1976 by the UNESCO International Bureau of Education (IBE) Secretariat to member states. This analysis of the replies centers on the improvement of educational information flow in terms of principles, priorities, evaluation, user needs, training, and networks, primarily on a national level. (Author/BBM)

This paper describes the situation of the information user in the developing countries of Africa; discusses the role of information resources in national development; delineates the most important functions of national libraries with respect to information dissemination and information utilization; explores the relationship between financial…

The survey methodology outlined in these guidelines is aimed at helping the professional planner in a developing nation to anticipate user information needs for the population as a whole according to the particular characteristics of his own country. Part of the initial planning and design of a national information system, such a survey must be…

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)

This article describes the information services provided by the Scientific and Technological Center of Argentina (CAICYT) and the various activities it undertakes, which, to a large extent, comprise programs and projects involving the whole of Latin America. (Author/RAA)

Describes the status of the Universal Availability of Publications (UAP) program in the five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nations and discusses the ways in which the UAP program could be developed at the national level in those countries. Two tables, a reference list, and a bibliography are included. (Author/JL)

Formed by a merger of two existing UNESCO programs--NATIS and UNISIST--a Division of the General Information Program (PGI) was created in 1977 to respond to problems involved in the development and promotion of scientific and technological information systems and services, as well as the development of national information infrastructures. This…

Preliminary guidelines are presented to provide a methodology for conducting user studies in the information field, particularly in developing countries. Topics covered include: user needs in planning a national information system; the identification of user groups; the design and organization of user studies, including background research survey…