Appropriate high tech: Scientific communication options for small third world countries

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have transformed the nature of scientific communication. This article examines the suitability of print, microform, online, and CD'ROM technologies for providing access to scientific serials by Third World scientists. Findings from an investigation of the technological and institutional options available to the scientific information system of Sri Lanka, a small country with a poor telecommunications infrastructure, are reported. Online is found most appropriate, principally due to the presence of a small number of scientists with a broad range of interests which makes the fixed-price regimes of the other modes disadvantageous. Policy responses, including the setting up of an online information bureau to gradually build up domestic and international communication levels to justify the introduction of internal and external data communication facilities, are discussed. The recommendations are user-centered and emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of technological and market options and flexibility of response on the part of peripheral players in the information market.

Information systems and urbanization in South Asia

“…26 In any case, while these centres are designed to support researchers at their centres, access to or even awareness of their services is more difficult for the thin layer of professionals in other locations, who lack facilities or the patience to contact the major documentation centres. 27 This type of information centre thus demonstrates considerable dynamism, but a large degree of elitism in its target population, and in any case remains quite divorced from the general population-which in turn has limited access to its own information centres.…”

“…35 Older switching equipment means that online access through common carriers is often slow (in India, 2400 bps is typically the fastest; in Sri Lanka the rate is as low as 300 bps), and too expensive for any but the largest institutions. 36 One of the largest systems is NICNET, begun during the 1980s by the Indian National Information Centre (NIC), a central government agency with nearly 2000 personnel including 1500 computer specialists, that facilitates database development and computerization in government offices. The NICNET is designed to include microcomputers at every distinct office, minicomputers or local area networks (LAN) at state capitals, four regional nodes with mainframes at Delhi, Pune, Bhubhaneshwar and Hyderabad, with Delhi as the main host.…”