Presents results from study of mathematical models (Cobb-Douglas model, mixture of Poissons, inverse effects of distance, weighted entropy) relating to usage of information systems, and notes papers developed during study which provide three types of analysis--literature reviews, analytical studies, and tests of models. Six references are…

Reviews criteria for assessment of appropriate information technology, comparing characteristics of modern information technology developed and applied in industrialized developed societies with constraints for information utilization in developing countries. Options for information technology are suggested. Four references are provided. (EJS)

This paper examines the institutional history of the United States government's efforts from 1946 to 1950 to gather, rationalize, and communicate to private industry, in the creation of the Office of Technical Services (OTS), the wealth of information that had been generated by scientists during the Second World War. Noting that U.S. information…

Describes a series of exploratory experiments that investigated information professionals' and geographers' use of geographic materials. Mental models used in the manipulation of geographic data are discussed; the improvement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is addressed; and Spotlight, a new interactive tool for exploring maps, is…

This review surveys the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies that deals with their perception of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information (STI) in relation to social and economic development. It explores five major areas: (1) recognition of STI as it is expressed through…

Provides a background for discussion of the lack of information policies in underdeveloped nations. The paper primarily refers to the conditions and problems of less developed countries, although it is observed that all countries are to a large extent underdeveloped in their information policies. (25 references) (MAB)

This review of the literature examines the relationship of information needs and uses and explores some of the factors that influence the relationship. The paper begins with a review of ways that the terms "information and information need" and "information use" have been defined in the literature. It then identifies and discusses three approaches…

Defining a numeric database as a computer-readable collection of data predominantly numeric in nature, this article reviews techniques and technologies having a positive influence on the growth of numeric databases, such as videotex, mini- and microcomputers, artificial intelligence, improved software, telecommunications, and office automation.…

This overview deals with studies bearing on the role which information on research and development plays in science and technology in the United States, discussing in general terms the nature, benefits, and problems associated with the collection, dissemination, use, and value of such information in scientific and technological growth. Studies in…

Discusses processes involved in development, operation, and utilization of bibliographic databases--design, data collection, processing, access, and use--and assesses their relevance to developing countries. Utilization of other countries' databases, use of services of organizatons in other countries, and participation in a cooperative system are…

This survey and analysis of the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies focuses on their perceptions of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information for social and economic development. Constituencies represented include both users and purveyors of information, and planners and…

This paper discusses underlying assumptions of user studies and approaches to information systems design, and reviews key issues in the design of information systems in three major areas: (1) factors affecting information seeking and use; (2) formal and informal channels of information transfer; and (3) discipline oriented transfer patterns.…

Discussion of information democracy focuses on information technologies and society and on social equity in the distribution and use of information resources. Highlights include relationships between society and technology; concepts of democracy; concepts of social justice and social equity; information needs, sources, and uses; and mass…

High schools serving disadvantaged students typically lack the requisite information on students and their performance to identify and meet their needs. Most studies on the use of information by district-level administrators, principals, teachers, and other school staff are descriptive and focus on the thought processes of individuals or groups as…

Today the majority of the United States work force is employed in the production, processing, and dissemination of information. However, the situation with regard to videotex, the medium that served as the basis for predicting an information society, is far from settled. The statistics concerning videotex are impressive, the technology…