United States Department of Agriculture Implements Scientific and Technical Information Policy by Management Action

Abstract

Buried among the millions of words, hundreds of major and minor studies and a lesser number of ideas about national information policy, a few statements are outstanding because they highlight certain truths which, in themselves, are not subjects for study and investigation. They simply have to be accepted, because if they are not, all other consideration about the need, or lack of a need for a national Scientific and Technical Information (STINFO) policy in the United States becomes irrelevant. This paper will hover between two statements about national information policy written thirteen years apart which tell us a great deal about the matter. It will argue that direct managerial action at the agency level can impact favorably to the benefit of STINFO and related information programs, including those that can benefit the general public directly.