Towards an International Information System

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Volume 33, Issue 1, p. 10-49

Abstract

Considerations relevant to the design of an effective system for the international transmission of information are examined. Informational needs of differing countries depend on their SE circumstances; developing countries have needs centered on nation building & economic modernization. Information is also needed to solve global problems. Scientific & technological information has a crucial role to play in social development; the social sciences & SE information offer a basis for guiding such development. Five specific tasks must be undertaken by the social sciences in relation to information: research, classification, construction, conceptualization, & organization. In information exchange between advanced & developing countries, an information system can be viewed as a subsystem of the structure of economic management, having an impact on science in developing countries. It is necessary to define information need at individual, collective, & social levels; users of SE information of various kinds are only a fraction of those who have a need for such information. An international information exchange must be developed. This can draw on national & international services & centers, & on data banks & information networks. Some operational problems of an international system are considered, with attention to problems of law, administration, politics, technology, organization, & linguistics, the last being a major problem for which the USSR's experience is highly relevant. Three contemporary scenarios for the future are offered: an ultimate ideal, a preparatory scenario, & a consideration of methodology. W. H. Stoddard.