ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the multiplication of standards in advanced societies. The National Information Standards Organization fuses public sector interests, university research involvement, librarian and publishing inputs, extensive connections with overseas groups aiming at similar tasks, and works with a myriad of trade associations and organizations. The consensual creation of standards is part of the long tradition of democracy that moves slowly but inexorably from a world of received wisdom and absolute authority to one of shared experience and exact knowledge. The development of standards is joined to that of the struggle over democracy and bureaucracy. The place of standards is subject to constant review, revision, and when necessary, termination. Advanced nations are clearly moving into a global pattern of standards-as societies themselves become intertwined and internetworked. The National Information Standards Organization fuses public sector interests, university research involvement, librarian and publishing inputs and works with a myriad of trade associations and organizations.
