PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 4 Promotion of Scientific Research
5 Facilitating the Collection and Utilization of Science Information
Along with the rapid progress of scientific research, science
information has been increasing and the types of information available have been
diversified. As a result, the development of an appropriate mechanism for quickly
providing accurate scientific information useful for researchers has become an
urgent task.
In this context, in April 1986 a National Center for Science
Information System was created as a national joint-use facility open to all universities
in the country. The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has been developing
a comprehensive nation-wide network for science information in which the Center
is connected on line with the libraries and computer centers of national, local
public and private universities. The Ministry has also been positively promoting
the development of local area networks within individual universities, the upgrading
of the functions of university libraries and the creation of various databases
useful for researchers. The Ministry is also striving to help improve systems
for the collection, custody and utilization of important scientific samples and
genetic resources.