Report on the Science Information Centre in Japan

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tabohashi, Akira

Affiliations: Division of Science Information and University Libraries, Bureau of Science and International Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, 3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, 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.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-1982-1504

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 1, no. 5, pp. 279-289, 1982