Library and Information Science

The purpose of this study is to compare science and technological information policies in France, West Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, and to clarify their characteristics. The method used here is to select main science and technological information policies which are regarded as important in the formation of information policy in these countries, and to compare their contents and recommendations.

In the first chapter, the emergence of information policies in these countries is described as background. Various elements of scientific information policy are defined. In the second chapter, the contents of scientific information policy statements which are regarded as important in each country are summarized, and policy trends in each country are described. In the third chapter, important statements regarding scientific information policy are compared in the light of policy elements, and are presented in a table. In the final chapter, the characteristics of scientific information policy in these countries are stated. The major findings are as follows:

In France and West Germany, there is a single scientific information policy and nation-wide efforts are made to embody the programs outlined in the policy.

In the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, there is more than one organization responsible for policy advancement. These countries do not have a encompassing program but instead try to develop existing related organizations without duplicating activities.

In the United Stated, the importance of scientific informaiton flow has been recognized as base for the nation's development from earlier periods, and attention is given to the quick flow of scientific information.

As regards treatment of new technology, these countries exhibit only general attitudes for it, and specific policies for new technology are left for the future. They most likely will focus their own country security, and regulations will need to be discussed.