The STM information system: An analysis

In 1993, the Royal Society, the British Library and the Association of Lear ned and Professional Society Publishers published the report of a study on the STM Information System in the UK that was directed by the late Professo r Bryan Coles. The STM information system is defined as the way in which kn owledge is transferred from one scientist to another, and has been founded upon articles in primary journals. The report reflected an awareness of str ain in the system, addressed the changes generating stress, and produced a series of conclusions and recommendations. In 1998 the same bodies, with th e addition of Blackwell Science, concluded that a seminar devoted to this t opic would be timely, and the material that follows was prepared as a backg round paper for the participants.