Scientific and Technological Communication

Scientific and Technological Communication deals with the fundamental aspects of the elements and media of scientific and technological communication, with emphasis on the critical issues involving them as well as the opportunities and techniques for exploiting them. Topics covered include informal information exchange; specialized information and analysis centers; mechanization and information handling; and international aspects of scientific and technical communication. This book is comprised of nine chapters and begins with an overview of the scientific communication process, its evolution, and its elements, as well as the importance of the scientific literature to the integrity, correctness, and viability of this process. The following chapters explore the social role of the scientific literature in establishing priority of effort with respect to the research and engineering process; primary and secondary literature on scientific and technological communication, including scientific journals, monographs, and technical reports; informal information exchange; and specialized information and analysis centers. The final chapter is devoted to the international aspects of scientific and technical communication. This monograph will be a useful resource for scientific and technical practitioners, as well as users, generators, and managers of communication systems in private and government sectors.