Report on the Science Information Centre in Japan

Abstract

After a brief introduction on the conceptual and political background to the newly mandated information and resource-sharing network system in which the Science Information Centre is to play a key role, this paper discusses the Centre's various functions:

– planning and coordination;

– research and development;

– service (involving maintenance of data bases, machine-readable cataloging, location-information, and a ‘clearing service’);

– education and training.

There follows a short description of the Centre's computer system requirements - including software and communication factors. The nature of the users of the system, and pricing-policies are discussed, and the dual aspect of the network structure is described, along with a statement on provision of primary information. The paper closes with a consideration of the Centre's prospective relationships with other domestic information systems, including the nCST (Japan Information Centre for Science and Technology). The proposed development-schedule and intended activities of the Centre are presented in tabular form, the latter as an appendix.