Linking the U.S. National Technical Information Service with Academic and Public Libraries

Book excerpt: Two underlying assumptions of this volume are that academic and public libraries can serve as effective intermediaries between the U.S. National Technical Information Service (NTIS) and library clientele, and that NTIS believes academic and public libraries, as well as their clientele, may comprise markets for expanding the number of people who might use and purchase NTIS information services and products. As such this volume fills a void in the literature regarding the operations and activities of the NTIS. Due to a broad range of factors discussed throughout the volume, academic and public libraries are unable to serve as effective intermediaries between NTIS and library clientele. The link between NTIS and the academic and public library professional community can be improved through a carefully developed and implemented plan.