US AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN REGIONAL NETWORK, TECHNICAL INFORMATION FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Evaluation covers the period 10/78-9/79, consists of the annual report of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), and is attached to a PES (PD-AAI-426-A1). The project surpassed its objectives despite funding levels which were considerably lower than anticipated. Eighteen LA countries are now involved in the information network; the number of cooperating agencies (CA"s) also increased, bringing in such members as the Caribbean Development Bank. The project"s popularity is evidenced by the increasing demand for AT documents publicized through the network. The AT titles listed in the NTIS newsletter, Applications of Modern Technology to International Development (AMTID), have grown rapidly, as has AMTID"s circulation. NTIS has also developed and published a separate bibliography of AT publications. The CA"s have agreed to identify groups working directly with the poor and to encourage their use of AT information, thereby assuring that project benefits will reach the urban and rural poor. Although problems with copyright clearance, pricing regulations, and other areas did occur in the acquisition of AT documents from CA"s, NTIS received 447 documents in FY79. Emphasis should be on acquiring publications from the LA governments rather than from private agencies, since these are often reluctant to share their information. The number of AT documents available for distribution will continue to grow through an agreement with Intermediate Technology Publications of London and ongoing discussions with development organizations such as the World Bank. In addition, the number of NTIS documents distributed in Spanish will increase under recent contracts. Regional seminars held with the CA directors were particularly successful in promoting greater understanding and effective use of the network service. NTIS staff also visited each participating country (except Nicaragua) during the year to provide local training and publicize the program.