ABSTRACT
This chapter presents factors and trends that reflect that potential, and focuses primarily on advances in and application of computer and telecommunications technology. Scientists and technologists presently find themselves in a situation much like the cobbler's barefoot children of the parable. Two rapidly expanding primary technologies affecting the communication of the scientific and technical information (STI) are computer-related technology and telecommunications. The STI community is in the position of exercising partial control over the future. Advancing at slower rates are microform technology and printing technologies. Economic factors are a powerful incentive for technological innovation in scientific and technical communication. Technological innovation in scientific and technical communication is most likely to occur where and when there is a perceived need for improvement. The impact of computer networks on scientific and technical communication will depend upon the degree of use or application. The economics of communication networks must be worked out before systems can be successfully developed for scientific and technical communication.
