URN_NBN_SI_DOC-WNAFPQH5

THE UNESCO GENERAL INFORMATION PROGRAMME AND ITS ROLE IN PROMOTING REGIONAL CO-OPERATIVE INFORMATION NETWORKS John B. Rose UNESCO, Division o f the General Information Programme, Paris, France By its constitution, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is concerned with co-operation in the information field. Under its General Information Programme (PGI), it as­ sists the flow of scientific and technical information across national boun­ daries, facilitates access to published information and data, and enhances Member states’ capacity to store, exchange, and use information needed for their development. The main thrust of Unescos action has been along five lines: development of the internationally accepted UNISIST framework of methods, standards and tools to facilitate systems interconnection and exchange of information; the application of new technologies and the creation of databases; the establishment of regional co-operative informa­ tion programmes and networks; support for the creation of national information policies and infrastructures; and the training and education of information specialists and users. In the present paper, certain features of Unesco s regional approach to information network development are reviewed and their advantages are described drawing on several specific regional networks and program ­ mes as examples. The problem of providing higher levels of information service to satisfy users' needs is discussed, and the impact of information technology on international co-operation in the information area is ex­ amined. The special problems faced by developing countries wishing to benefit fully from international (co-operative) information systems are considered as well as some of the strategies adopted in an effort to find solutions to these problems. K njižnica. Tem atska 51. IA TU L 1989 31