The first in a series of articles on the activities
of the Information Sciences Division (ISD) of
the International Development Research
Centre (IDRC) introduces IDRC in general and
ISD in particular. It traces the evolution of
ISD as a substantive programme devoted to
tackling information problems in developing
countries, and reviews how the Division has
responded to the changing global information
environment of the past two decades.
Statistics are provided on where and on what
activities ISD resources have been directed
over the years. General programme areas are
described with examples of types of projects
supported, including specialized information
centres, non-bibliographic systems, networks,
information technologies and human
resources development, all of which are aimed
at contributing to the social and economic
advancement of developing countries. Also
examined are inhouse information activities,
including IDRC's Library and bibliographic
services, and the Computer Systems Group
responsible for MINISIS software. Concludes
with a look at various elements in the current
information environment that are influencing
the future direction of ISD so that it can
remain responsive to the needs of developing
countries.
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