ABSTRACT
Technology transfer is a process that requires effective communication and large amounts of information. The federal government supports technology transfer by providing both information and communication channels and reducing the impediments that can limit technology adoption by the private sector. Several databases are also maintained by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide access to current and pre-publication research findings from USDA-supported laboratories. The Biotechnology Information Center and the Technology Transfer information Center at the National Agricultural Library provide assistance in accessing these and other information sources. The National Agricultural Library also houses the Technology Transfer Information Center which serves to promote the rapid conversion of federally-developed inventions into commercial products by getting the results of research into the hands of individuals and organizations who can put it into practical use. New means of disseminating information rapidly and broadly has the potential to provide the accessibility and ease-of-use that may be lacking in the resources currently available.
