Paper produced in support of the Impact Evaluation of the General Information Programme (PGI) of Unesco being carried out during 1988. Outlines the origins, aims and objectives and organs of PGI, its structure, methods of execution and linkages with other bodies, and summarizes its accomplishments in respect of: standards and standardization; bibliographic control; the International Serials Data System; the Common Communication Format; terminology; the development and use of databases; international and regional cooperation in promoting the exchange and flow of information; national information policies; the promotion of PGI ; the development of information infrastructures, including libraries, archives and specialized information and data services; the training o information personnel and users; and operational activities. Provides data on the human and financial resources of PGI, 1977-87, and reviews its relations with other international agencies and the actions taken to evaluate its activities. Concludes that PGI's contribution is mainly catalytic and cannot be sustained for long periods due to lack of resources.
