The third in a series of articles on the
activities of the Information Sciences Division
(ISD) of the International Development
Research Centre (IDRC). Presents a brief
literature review of the evolving role of the
information specialist; discusses IDRC's
support of projects which contain implicit and
explicit functions for the information
professionals involved in identifying
information needs and in processing,
retrieving, repackaging and disseminating the
acquired information to targeted audiences for
development purposes. This provides many
opportunities and, with always limited
resources, many challenges. Describes
specific roles involved in establishing
networks, operating non-bibliographic
information systems, designing subject-
specific projects, implementing national and
regional infrastructures for information
systems, and introducing automation of
information services. Examples are provided
from countries and projects. IDRC's Library is
also described briefly. Concludes that the
information specialist's role can best be
understood as 'facilitator and
communicator'—but the choice is wide open.
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References
1.
Debons, A., Horne, E. and Cronenweth, S.Information science an integrated viewBoston, G.K.Hall and Co , 1988. 172p. ISBN 0-8161-1857-4.
2.
Unesco.Transfer and utilization of information for development in the 1980's main problems and strategies for their solutionPans, Unesco,1981. (PGI 81/WS/12).
3.
Belkin and Robertson, quoted in Kent, Allen, ed. Education for information science. Encyclopedia of library and information science, vol. 41, Supplement 6, 198647-66.
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Deahl, Thomas F.ASIS-75 Placement Service: an invitation to job seekers and employersBulletin for ASIS, vol 2, no. 1, June/July 1975, 51.
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McConnell, PaulInformation for development: experience of the International Development Research Centre (In present issue).
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Stone, Martha BInformation systems and services to support the world communityCanadian Library Journal, August 1985, 203-207.
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Spaulding, F.The value of the information professional. President's Task Force on the Value of the Information Professional Special Libraries Association, 78th Annual Conference, Anaheim, California, June 1987
