ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL INFORMATION NETWORKS

1. Prepared by
Manish Chandra
M.Lib.I.Sc-Lucknow
University
PGDLAN-IGNOU (DELHI)

2.  Unesco and intergovernmental organizations have contributed to the development
of some specialized networks in the Asia-Pacific region.
 The regional programmes and activities of Unesco, have been directed towards the
creation of an S & T network for Asia and the Pacific for the exchange of
information and expertise that should:
(a) concentrate on priority subject areas;
(b) take into account the needs and interests of the region; and
(c) make full use of S & T information systems and services at the national, regional
and international levels.
Example:
1. ASTINFO
2. APINESS
3. RINSCA
4. IDRC etc.

4.  UNESCO recommended to bring together a single framework of Regional
Network for the Exchange of Information and Experiences in Science and
Technology in Asia and the Pacific (ASTINFO).
 ASTINFO is a substantive project in Unesco’s Major Programme Vii
(Information Systems and Access to Knowledge).
 Unesco had fourteen Major Programmes into which all the activities have
been categorized.
 The ASTINFO has established between the Second Medium-Term Plan
(1984-89).
 A project proposal for the development of the network was prepared by
Unesco’s General Information Programme (PGI).

5.  The planning, supervision and evaluation of the project is, however, a
cooperative exercise involving the participating countries and Unesco.
 Each country free to select according to its needs and priorities from a list
of activities which established and periodically revised by the network
members. The programme thus be self-developing based on resource-
sharing.
 ASTINFO is an umbrella organization for the entire range of information
activities in the Asia-Pacific region.
 By the means of gathering small, scattered projects into larger units big
enough to attract financial assistance from international agencies and also
to achieve the critical mass necessary for self-sustenance and growth.
 Unesco sponsored programme sharing of information resources and
experiences, available within and outside the region according to the needs
of national planning, scientific research, education and technical
development.

6. Overall Objective:
 The socio-economic development,
 The regional cooperation, and
 Use of information and data.

7.  To strengthen national bibliographic control of S &T output and to establish
computer-based bibliographic databases in subject areas of interest to the region;
 To develop and promote structures and capabilities for cross-border exchange of
data and sharing of processing facilities;
 To develop specialized networks in high priority subject areas and to strengthen the
information base of existing networks;
 To improve national information infrastructures to meet the needs of the regional
network;
 To introduce improved/new information services, develop access to databases
outside the region and improve information support including consolidated and
repackaged information for development;
 To trained information specialists.

8.  Creation and strengthening of local and regional databases, especially those
using modern technology;
 Creation and strengthening of specialized networks in particular sectors,
disciplines or missions;
 Promotion of the training of information specialists and users; and
 Creation of a general framework for cooperation and systems
interconnection.

9.  The infrastructure of ASTINFO within a Member Country is made up of
the following components:
(1) National Coordinating Unit (NCU)
(2) Liaison Officer (LO)
(3) National Advisory Group (NAG)
(4) Associate Centres (ACs)

10. National
Coordinating
Unit(NCU)
Liaison
Officer
Associa
te
Centre
(AC)
Linkage to
other NCUs
Associate
Networks
UNESCO
National
Governmen
t
AC
ACAC
AC AC
ASTINFO Infrastructure

11.  The creation of specialized sub-networks in selected subject areas and
strengthening of information base existing national and regional networks
in S & T are major programme areas of ASTINFO.
 The specialized sub-networks are expected to provide information services
in a specific field or on a specific type of activity.
example: medicinal and aromatic plants, research in progress.
 The services rendered by a particular specialized sub-network based on the
specific needs of users and on the availability of information.

12.  Formal links with national nodes and with existing regional and
international services;
 Establishment of sub-networks identified priority areas such as :
a. creation of local databases;
b. SDI from local databases or from two to three international databases;
c. online searches of existing databases in and outside the region;
d. Document delivery system;
e. Publication of repackaged information.
 Organized training programme paying special attention to reflecting
achievements and constraints characterizing various participating countries
and remaining close contact with the regional reality;
 Evolution and coordination of the sub-network and overall regional
network.

13.  The Asian and Pacific Information Network on Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants (APINMAP) is a specialized ASTINFO sub-network. It was
initiated in 1984 as the Regional Information Network on Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants (RINMAP).
 To provide a framework for the development of cooperation among its
members so that the regional user groups gain access to the information in
the area of medicinal and aromatic plants.
 The fields include:
1. Chemistry,
2. Pharmacology,
3. Pharmacognosy,
4. Ethno-medicine,
5. Agrotechnology etc.

14.  Its aim to provide information on research carried out within the region and
to provide information from international databases and documentation
centres covering research outside the region.
 Five Member States like; China, India, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and
Thailand designated as national nodes.
 Three regional nodes developed at the Publications and Information
Directorate, New Delhi, the Agricultural Information Bank for Asia
(AIBA) in Laguna, Philippines, and the Chinese Medicinal Material
Research Centres (CMMRCs) of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
 Each regional node exchange information and act as a referral, reference
and advisory centre for the neighbouring national nodes which collect and
disseminate information at national level.

15.  Associate Network of ASTINFO is the Information Network on New and
Renewable Energy Resources and Technologies for Asia and the Pacific
(INNERTAP) in 1983.
 New and Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE) is one of the five sub-regional
information networks supported by Unesco under its Global Energy Information
Programme.
 INNERTAP’s main objective to facilitate NRSE information flow within and out
of the Asia-Pacific region.
 INNERTAP is currently composed of five countries, namely China, Indonesia,
Korea, Thailand and Philippines.
 In each Member Country, has Liaison Offices called National Focal Points
(NFPs), which Coordinates NRSE information networking activities at national
level, while the network’s operation and management is handled by the Regional
Host Centre (RHC).

16.  Regional Host Centre (RHC) located at the Philippine National Oil
Company - Energy Research and Development Centre (PNOC-ERDC) in
the Philippines.
 INNERTAP extends its services with energy, such as ;
1. Commonwealth Regional Renewable Energy Resources Information
System (CRRERIS)
2. Regional Energy Ressources Information Centre (RERIC) and
3. Agriculture Information Bank of Asia (AIBA).
 INNERTAP in late 1983, carried out education and training programmes,
document delivery service to access external documents which have been
difficult to obtain, issued publications and harmonized information
activities to make optimal use of available resources and facilities.

17.  ASTINFO established another Associate Network in the field of social sciences
information - the Asia-Pacific Information Network in Social Sciences (APINESS)
in May 1986.
 The network was launched at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok by sixteen
representatives of social science research councils, national libraries and
documentation centres from the Member States in the Asia-Pacific region.
 UNESCO establish a Data Communication and Information Exchange Network
(ASTINFONET) to facilitate data communication within the Asia-Pacific region.
 ASTINFONET used for the following data communications services:
1. messaging and telecommunication services;
2. electronic mail; document delivery services;
3. access to databases within the region;
4. access to information services outside the region; and
5. exchange of data between participating countries.

18.  ASTINFO has several projects and activities with the objective of
developing local and regional databases through the computerization of
database activities and information services.
 In 1985, activities included the procurement of microcomputers and
software packages for national and regional networks.
 The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, India, was provided a
microcomputer and software for its data system. The Pakistan Scientific
and Technical Information Centre (PASTIC) was given assistance to
acquire a microcomputer for use in bibliographic work.

19.  Several training courses have been organized in the region, such as;
1. four-week national training course on the basics of modern methods of
documentation and information-handling,
2. postgraduate training course in information studies;
3. a feasibility study followed by a staff mission to discuss the details of a
work plan.

20.  The activities of ASTINFO in India are closely coordinated with those of
the National Information System for Science & Technology (NISSAT).An
Advisory Committee consisting of information science professionals.
 This Advisory Committee serves as the National Advisory Committee for
UNISIST and the National Advisory Group for ASTINFO.
 India has its formal approval to two institutes, namely;
1. Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC),New
Delhi.
2. National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL),Bangalore.

21.  Inventory of ongoing research information systems in Asia at INSDOC;
New Delhi.
 Guidelines on the establishment, operation and interlinking of national
information systems on research-in-progress, at NISTADS; New Delhi.
 Pilot project on the repackaging and dissemination of scientific and
technological information for development working in the field of new and
renewable energies particularly biogas generation as a model at TERI; New
Delhi.

22.  Regional node of APINMAP at PID, New Delhi through provision of a
HP 3000 system with MINISIS package.
 Online access facility to ESA/IRS from NAL Bangalore through provision
of IBM-PC and modem, training specialists, etc.
 Augmentation of capacities for computer applications at INSDOC, New
Delhi through provision of a MICROVAX-II system with CDS/ISIS
software.

23.  The Consultative Meetings have, highlighted certain problem areas in the
functioning of the ASTINFO network as well as future needs; such as:
 Concern has been expressed many of the least developed countries of the
region do not appear in the projects and members feel that priority should
be given to such countries in the future.
 Lack of information services for S & T promotion among particular
community groups.
 The language barrier is a major constraint which makes the establishment
of common bibliographical formats and records within the region an
extremely difficult task.
 Lack of funds for providing translations, as well as courses for translators,
is being faced by many Member ; Countries.

24.  The major future requirements of Member Countries within the ASTINFO
network is for a common command language (CCL) to be used with the
region.
 Use of norms and standards in information-handling at all levels is
important to ensure systems compatibility and to facilitate networking and
resource-sharing.
 International and regional activities such as training courses, workshops
and seminars on the application of norms and standards have been
repeatedly suggested as future needs.
 Training programmes for translators working in the S & T fields have also
been identified as vitally important.
 Member Countries emphasized the need for seminars and training courses
in many other areas, including information technology, microcomputer
applications, networking and database activities, information marketing
and information use promotion.

25.  A quarterly Newsletter
The Newsletter provides current information on the programmes, projects
and activities carried out or proposed within the framework of ASTINFO
under the General Information Programme, quarterly distributed free of
charge.
 A database on hardware and software
The information handling in the region.

27.  ASTINFO established an Associate Network in the field of social sciences
information the Asia-Pacific Information Network in Social Sciences
(APINESS) in May 1986.
 The national infrastructures handling documentation and information
processing in the Asia-Pacific region are still weak and several information
gaps exist among Asian and Pacific social scientists.
 The network was launched at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok by
sixteen representatives of social science research councils, national
libraries and documentation centres from the Member States in the Asia-
Pacific region.

28.  The developments in the field of communication and information
technology have greatly facilitated the people in distant parts of the
country, region or world to come closer, to each other and to work together
to achieve premeditated goals.
 An effort has been made in Asia and the Pacific region to set up a
cooperative mechanism aiming at conservation of knowledge and its
dissemination in the field of social sciences.
 The proposed organisation has been named as “Asia-Pacific Information
Network in social sciences”(APINESS).

29.  The network purpose should be mechanism for:
a) Promoting communication about social sciences information (production,
use, dissemination, and management);
b) For helping to develop adequate social science communication and
information infrastructures at national and regional level.

30.  The development, exhibited, by all the countries of Asia and the Pacific region has
brought social sciences to fore and opened up new avenues for its practitioners.
 A regional information network, “APINESS” cannot be over-emphasized,
particularly with rapidly multiplying data and documents in social sciences in every
country in the region.
 The research material has started coming in the national languages of the countries
in the region is required to be brought under bibliographic control and translated in
the international languages for wider dissemination and utilisation.
 The networking programmes provides communication support for the development
orientation programmes of cross-culture research and develpoment and to promote
more utilisation of social science research.
 The documentation and clearing house services are scattered in different
institutions and there is no regional focal point to assist various countries in
locating relevant information and documentation.

31.  There is not only need for exchange of information but the stronger need to
promote and strengthen national information infrastructure to maintain
smooth interchange of information and expertise.
 According to UNESCO Assistant Director-General Makagiansar:
- to identify the information need of the varied clientele,
- the problems in acquisition and storage of information,
- the training needs of information specialists, and
- the modalities of regional cooperation.

32.  The broad principles governing the network are:
 It encourage development of infrastructure at national level to make up short
falls;
 It be an inter-institutional arrangement and not a supra-national centre;
 It coordinate rather than duplicate the activities of existing networks at national
and regional levels;
 That no single model for national infrastructure be preferred in view of the
asymetrical levels of attainments;
 The system be a decentralised one;
 The financial resources come from member states and from national, regional
and international agencies which involved in support networking activities.

33.  The APINESS infrastructure would be broadly on the ASTINFO model
because of their identical objectives and programmes within their
distinctive specialised fields.
 APINESS Network Model included the following infrastructure:
 Secretariat
 Regional Advisory Group (RAG)
 Regional Network (RN)
 Regional Centres (RC)
 Regional Association in Social Sciences (RASS)
 Regional Agencies (RA)
 Participating Country:
1. National Contact Point (NCP)
2. National Advisory Group (NAG)
3. Participating Centre (PC)

34. APINESS
Regional Advisory
Group (RAG)
SECRETARIAT
RASS
(e.g.AASSREC)
Regional
Agencies
(e.g.ESCAP)
Regional
Network
(e.g.ASTINFO)
Regional
Centres
(e.g.AMIC)
NAP
NA
G
PC
Participating
Country
The APINESS
Networked Model

35. 1. National Contact point (NCP):
Each Member State establish or designate an existing Centre to act as a
National Contact Point within APINESS framework. The NCP provide
secretariat assistance for networking activities.
2. National Contact Advisory Group of NCP (NAG):
The NCP set up a NAG to assist and advise it on networking programmes.
The NAG provide representation to government departments, academic
bodies, professional organisations and organisations having liaison with
various organisations of United Nations like Unesco, WHO, UNIDO, FAO
etc.

36.  Strengthening core collection of social science research material in the
national centre's and participating centre's. These centre's also provided
software and hardware for improving their services;
 Active exchange of social sciences materials;
 Survey of existing institutional facilities and their inventory control;
 Facilities for advanced training in documentation and data management;
 Adoption and development of norms and standards of information
handling at local level developed in view the local variations;
 Vocabulary control and refinement of terminology in social sciences;

37.  Development of linkages at local, national and regional levels;
 Training of social scientists as user of information;
 Publication of the state-of-art reports and processing and repackaging of
social science information/research data for policy-makers;
 Providing exchange of research materials and specialists in bilateral and
culture agreements between various states in the region;

38. 1. Creation and strengthening of local and regional databases especially using
modern technology;
2. Creation and strengthening of specialised networks in particular sectors,
disciplines or missions;
3. Promotion of the training of information specialists and users; and
4. Creation of a general framework for cooperation and systems
interconnection.

39.  Publication of APINESS Newsletter; and
 publicity of APINESS Bulletins to keep members informed of
developments, and ongoing project/ activities.

40.  R. Amarasuriya, Nimala. Development Through Information Networks in
the Asia-Pacific Region. Information Development, 3(2), 1987.
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/026666698700300202
 Gupta, B.M, Guha, B., Rajan, T.N., and Satyanarayana, R.. Handbook of
Libraries, Archives & Information Centres in India:Asia-Pacific
Cooperative Information System, Networks and Programmes (Vol.4).

41. THANKS!!!!