Scientific and technical societies promoting scientific and technical information in the USSR

Abstract

In promoting information the contribution of those human resources of society represents an important factor which are difficult to exploit in the framework of the State information system. In USSR the learned societies prove to be informal organs of information exchange.
The article describes the short history of the societies as well as the characteristics and dimensions of their activities and the impact of the societies on scientific and technical development. Examining some characteristics scientific and technical development a classification system for scientific information is outlined; based on the tasks, aims and problems of research. As an example methods and results of a joint research work carried out by two Soviet institutions and an international research institute are presented which refer to a classification system on cancer research. The author describes the role of the societies in intersectoral information exchange and emphasizes the organization of lectures, conferences and symposia and similar activities. The societies edit and publish scientific and technical periodicals and execute other information activities either independently or jointly with competent State anthorities.