http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/2554425508

Developing a Coordinated Information Program for Geological Scientistsin the United States

A plan for the development of a coordinated information program for geological scientists in the united states is discussed in detail in this report. The american geological institute appointed a committee on science information to develop a new network for communication. The need arose from a realization of several deficiencies of present methods--(1) greatly increased volume of information and data, and increasing time required to search and review, (2) increasing need for interdisciplinary information, and (3) decreasing usefulness of traditional methods of information exchange. The committee was to (1) develop a concept for a national information system in the geosciences, including general policy and long range goals, (2) formulate a tentative 3-year plan of action (1969-71), and (3) support and coordinate ongoing geoscience information projects and proposals. The response to the communication problem is focused on (1) information management, (2) systems engineering, (3) large systems management, (4) new dissemination techniques, (5) data processing, (6) microimagery techniques, and (7) photocomposition. Characteristics of the new system were seen as (1) evolutionary, expanding as need arises, (2) efficient, as guided by general and specific operational objectives, (3) alert to the needs of individuals and the geoscience community, and (4) compatible with other information systems. A program of analysis was concerned with (1) definition of purpose and requirements, (2) determination of current status, and (3) identification of promising avenues of effort. Current communication activities were investigated. An outline of the steps involved in the formulation of a program concludes the report. (Dh).

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