Improving access to Japanese scientific and technical literature in the United States: The role of the Federal government

Currently, the United States lacks a clear and consistent information policy defining and regulating the Federal role in collection and dissemination of Japanese scientific and technical information (STI) to users in the public and private sectors. One long-term consequence of this situation involves negative impacts on American scientific and technological innovation and on competitiveness in the global economy.After a discussion of the existing legislative and regulatory environment shaping the Federal government's approach to Japanese STI activities, the article presents five policy options, each of which describes a different role for the Federal government. Finally, the article recommends a combination of two options that will create the basis for a Federal information policy designed to support a self-sustaining STI infrastructure in the United States. That infrastructure will efficiently access and disseminate Japanese STI to public and private sector users.