In many developing countries of the world there have grown up substantial structures of scientific and technological research. These patterns include many disciplines and technologies and involve a wide variety of academic, governmental and industrial research organizations, all with their special information requirements. The major importance of effective documentation and information to support research and development work within these structures is universally recognized and, over the years, complex, often highly sophisticated services and facilities to meet these needs have come into existence in virtually all significant areas of science and technology.