Academic information centers

The university relationships and activities of 67 presently operating academic information analysis centers have been explored; their activities seem much the same as those in nonacademic settings. All appear to be engaged in the full spectrum of information handling. The establishment, organization, and technical requirements of four academic information analysis centers in the Neurological Information Network are described; one is discussed in detail. Experience in this center and others has shown that two elements of the academic information center require further definition: the activities of the scientists, and the relationship of the center to the administration of the university. Experience has also shown that an information center can exert a unifying effect in a field of education or research where such unity does not presently exist within the university. Twenty‐four suggestions are offered for administering on academic information center. Academic medical information centers are in a unique position to help cope with some of the information problems that beset today's biomedical researchers and practitioners.