Science, Scholarship and the Communication of Knowledge

THIS PAPER EXPLORES THE major channels by which research results are disseminated, with special reference to the role played in this communication process by libraries and other formal information centers, identifies some of the problems existing within these channels, points to some significant recent advances in the dissemination of research information, and suggests some possible future trends. The most important channels by which the results of research and application activities are disseminated in science and other fields are depicted at the macrolevel in Figure 1. The box headed “User Community” includes two components: those individuals who are involved in (1) research and development and (2) the application of the results of research and development. The communication problem represented in this diagram is that of disseminating the results and experience of research, development and application activities rapidly and efficiently to those individuals who need and can profit by this information. As the diagram shows,. various members of the “user community” report the results of their research and development activities or of their experiences in some field of application. These reports can be written or oral. Much of this information is disseminated in a completely informal way. Information is exchanged by individuals through correspondence and by conversations, either face-to-face or by telephone. Some of this information when assimilated stimulates new research or applications.

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