The future of agricultural information transfer: technological and other aspects
1983
Lewis, D.A. (Aslib, London (UK))
One of the few areas of real growth evident and to be anticipated in the developed world is that of "Information technology". There will be an increasing awareness that information can be managed as a specific resource like other resources, e.g. money, machinery, materials. To this end, the age of automation is being followed by the age of 'computications' i.e. the marriage of computers and telecommunications, which provides an immensely powerful tool for the efficient and effective management of information and, even more importantly, the transfer of knowledge. All of this is of particular significance for developing countries, where the 'information explosion' has not yet happened internally, but the effect of it are being keenly felt. The entire scene is dominated by 'technology push' rather than by 'demand pull', but this may well change. Even so, there is danger of being dazzled by the number and variety of technological gadgets when looking for solutions to pressing problems which may have more effective solutions based on simpler, more traditional methods. The essential message is that it is the user who will be the key person in the drama which will be played. The parameters relating to the provision of information for the satisfaction of the ultimate user's needs are described, e.g. speed, relevance, comprehensiveness, volume etc. Finally, the effects of information technology are analysed. In itself information technology, like any other technology or science, is intrinsically neutral. It is the application of the technology, by governments, institutions and individuals, which will determine whether the influence is benign or malignant. We all have a responsibility to ensure that 'they' (and 'we'!) make the right decisions
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