This project is to carry out an assessment of scientific and technical information (STI) dissemination in the United States. There are two phases to the project. Phase I is to focus on estimating and examining the size and characteristics of the demand for different STI dissemination services by various users and the magnitude, quality and costs of supplying STI dissemination services by various sources. Phase II, to be performed at the option of the NSF after a review of the results of phase I, is to concentrate on examining private or public actions with a potential for improving STI dissemination in the United States. This project will involve largely quantitative analyses using available data, which are to be obtained from a variety of sources. The project team is to design and implement a format for integrating these diverse data for effective processing and analysis. Information for project reports are to be derived from a series of papers describing the results, procedures, and data for studies on a number of focussed topics. Final substantive coverage, findings and analyses contained in these papers are to come about from interim drafts, which will be revised in response to intensive evaluations by outside experts on STI dissemination. %%% The NSF always has been concerned with the nation's capabilities and performance in disseminating timely information about science and engineering research results and activities. Over twenty years have elapsed since the Federal Government last undertook a comprehensive assessment of the dissemination of scientific and technical information (STI). This project is to provide the NSF with empirical studies and analyses, which, as a group, are to constitute a comprehensive examination of current conditions, future potentials and policy issues for STI dissemination in the United States.
