Processes and Challenges of Scientific and Technical Information

Interest in scientific and technical information began in the 1950s against the backdrop of the Cold War when scientific research accounted for much of the boom. It was observed however that research could only evolve and achieve its full potential if supported by an efficient information system. It was against this backdrop that the concept of scientific and technical information emerged as a discipline for accessing and organizing knowledge. This led to the implementation of methods and tools with particular reference to a system of standardization necessary for the circulation and sharing of information. The move towards all-digital technology has introduced new requirements for IST professionals. They are called upon to accompany users in their quest for relevant information in an environment where paradoxically with the proliferation of data locating relevant information is becoming increasingly complex. This is the challenge facing IST as a discipline of access to knowledge.