Technology Transfer: The Role of the Sci-tech Librarian

As automation and competitiveness between companies and countries grows, the need for the speedy research and delivery of information is becoming greater than ever before. Defining technology transfer as "the process of getting technical knowledge, ideas, services, inventions, and products from their origin to wherever they can be put to practical use," this timely new book explores the role of the information specialist in the technology transfer process. The volume brings together discussions from information mediaries associated with federal information centers, academic research institutions, and a large metropolitan public library.

Agencies and organizations at the federal, state, and local level that are involved in and responsible for technology transfer programs are described in a "who's who" section of the volume, and the system for the distribution of information at NASA is covered in detail, this being considered by some to be the birthplace of the technology transfer concept. The various regional NASA Industrial Application Centers are also identified, and the numerous print and online services available are noted as well. Other topics covered include the use of technology transfer in agricultural programs to improve U.S. competiveness in the global marketplace and how the large public library can promote technology transfer by acting as important centers for information transfer and research.