The co-operation of the socialist countries in scientific and technical information has entered a new phase

Abstract

The tendency that the number of professionals engaged in scientific activities and the volume of expenditures on R+D is continuously increasing may only he prevailing for a limited time. Thus it is an important task to increase the effectiveness of research work, which largely depends on the system of scientific and technical information.
Meeting the information needs of specialists engaged in various branches of science and technology may only be possible by international co-operation. One reason for this is that the improvement of the national systems of scientific and technical information may be carried out only by means of large-scale and expensive research work which is only feasible if conducted on an international basis.
In 1969, the International Centre for Sclentific and Technical Information was set up to extend the co-operation of the socialist countries in the field of scientific and technical information.
One fundamental objective of the Centre ia to elaborate an effective (integrated) information system based on the national scientific and technical information systems of the member countries.
Another objective is to extend the mutual information services of the member countries.
Apart from many other tasks the Centre is also engaged in training the information specialists of the member countries and organizing refresher courses for them.
As the co-ordinating agency of the member countries, the Centre fulfils these tasks partly on its own resources, partly on the basis of contracts concluded with institutions, engaged in information or other fields, with scientists and specialists of the member countries and also of other countries.