Information contents as universal services

Journal/Book: Nfd Inform Wissensch Prax. 1997; 48: Ostbahnhofstrabe 13, 60314 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany. Deutschen Gesellschaft Dokumentation E V. 261-271.

Abstract: In the beginning of telecommunication ''universal services'' mean vocal telephones for everyone at reasonable prices. Financing of universal service is assured in the frame of telecommunications. We describe conceptions of universal services within the information policies of Germany, the European Union, and the United States of America. Information society is a knowledge society, knowledge becomes an important resource for this new society. Certain information content services are universal services in the information society. We make a distinction between universal services (e.g., online library catalogues, bibliographic databases) and commercial services (e.g., document delivery services, electronic full texts) offered by libraries and other information centers. Because telecommunication services are global we may not forget global universal services.

Note: Article Stock WG, Fachhsch Koln, Fachbereich Bibliotheks & Informat Wesen, Claudiusstr 1, D-50678 Cologne, GERMANY

Keyword(s): TELECOMMUNICATIONS; LIBERALIZATION; POLICY

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