462 Reviews

ture and other forms of infrastructure such as the highway system. Hogan explores some of these parallels in depth, with particular emphasis on the development of energy distribution networks.

The two final papers-by Kahin and Perritt, respectively-discuss various implications of elec- tronic publishing and network distribution of various academic materials and public information such as patents. Space does not permit a detailed discussion of these papers, but they do survey a great deal of material and contain a number of provocative arguments and conclusions. I found both of these papers very interesting and recommend them to any reader concerned with the implications of networking technology for the future of libraries, publishing, scholarly communica- tion, and access to government information.

This book is intended for readers interested in policy issues related to the development of the future national networking and information infrastructure in the United States. Some specific papers will be useful to people with other specific interests (the development of technology for high-speed networking, supercomputing applications, or library and publishing issues). However, with the exception of the two final papers on library and publishing issues, those readers are likely to find their interests covered in more depth elsewhere. The inclusion of the papers here really serves more to enrich the policy focus than to offer deep or comprehensive coverage of these peripherally related areas.

The two final papers are peculiar in that they might really be viewed as significant contributions to a different, or at least broader, set of policy discussions about libraries, publishing, and access to information. By appearaing in this collection they may miss a good part of their potential audience. Nevertheless, it is good to see them included. Too often the term tzrrtimd infiwmtion ir?fi.Nstrlrc.tr/r.c is used too narrowly-to describe telecommunications facilities that can be used to move informa- tion-rather than in the broader sense that also would encompass information resources and services themselves as a vital part of the infrastructure.

This book is an excellent source of particular opinions on policy issues, but it cannot be described as either comprehensive or self-contained. Much of the material, while accessible to readers without much background in networking or the NREN, will be somewhat difficult to appreciate fully. And it is important to recognize that the papers are not intended to be surveys of various alternative policy positions and their evolution. in most cases, but rather present specific analyses and positions. Further, in most cases, the work contains the thoughts ofindividual scholars, rather than the positions of organizations on the issues. (For a collection of organizational viewpoints, see Proceedings of the NREN Workshop [I]. This book is a valuable compendium of source material that contributes to the policy discussion surrounding the future of information infrastructure inthe United States, with a scope extending well beyond the near-term issues specific to the NREN program.

NOTE

I. Interuniversity Communications Council, Inc.. Proc~cc~dings c$ tllc NREN WorX~hop, Mmter-e.v Cnl~fiwnic~, Srpremher 16-17. /YYZ (Washington, DC: EDUCOM: 1992).

CLIFFORD A. LYNCH Director, Library Automation

University of California Office of the President Oakland, CA 94612-3550

USA

Guide to the Information Activities of European Development Networks. Paris: UNESCO, 1991. [259p.]. ISBN: 92-3-102737-9. $25.00 (U.S.) (Distributed in North America by Unipub.)

A reference work is usually praised or condemned on the clarity of its organization and the correctness of its entries. Prefaces and introductory essays may be reviewed once, but are rarely consulted by the users of the work.

This work departs from the expected. With its clear format, concise entries, and informative introductory essays, the Guide presents a wealth of information on European development networks. It even provides definitions, in the Preface, of what a Deuelopment Net~cwk is.

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A network is defined as an organization formed to strengthen exchange, commu- nication, co-operation, and awareness building among member organizations with similar interests and objectives; as well as disseminating information through information activities.

Development activities are defined as those undertaken to provide financial, material, technical or personal assistance in development countries.

Development education refers to activities undertaken to raise awareness in industrialized countries about the situation in developing countries.

For those familiar with the concept of development networks and nongovernmental agencies (NGOs), the inclusion of these definitions may seem pedantic. It is not. When the Secretary General of the United Nations has said, “I am not all that concerned about financial or technical assistance to the Third World. For the South, what matters is that the North pay attention, on a political level, to events there. That is more important than financial and technical aid” [l], defining the mission of NGOs involved in technical and educational assistance is crucial.

The cover of the Guide states, “First Edition 1991.” The resources listed in the Guide, however, are from a 1988-1989 survey of European networks. Given the dramatic shifts of the European political and social landscape in the last four years, the Guide appears to be out of date. Strangely enough, it is not: it foretells of situations that are obvious to us now.

. unless an equitable form of development is agreed to by the community of nations, and urgent measures taken to achieve it. many ethnic groups or nations beset by demographic and social pressures will inevitably come into conflict with each other (and with the North) in the struggle for vital space, food and energy resources [2].

The networks surveyed are what the title states-European development networks. Networks based outside western Europe were not included, and neither were networks involved in human rights, development research and training, or refugee assistance. Readers are referred to the Human Rights Information and Documentation System (HURIDOCS), the OECD Development Center, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The volume is organized into three sections: introductory essays, network profiles, and indexes. Network profiles are organized by country; a directory precedes the profiles. Networks are also, at the end of the volume, indexed alphabetically, by organization acronym, by focus of activities, geographical coverage, activities in Europe, and by “information” activities such as conferences, documentation, and publication centers. The profiles consist of basic information such as address, official/working language, mission, and additional fields that are in keeping with UNESCO’s inter- ests-information/inquiry services, documentation center, library services, audiovisual services, computerized information services, and conferences.

The introductory essays are worth the price of the book. While the network profiles are three to four years old, and may still be correct, the essays are a resource on UNESCO and perspectives on Western European development work in the late 1980s. The first article is by the former Secretary General of the Netherlands Organization for International Development Co-operation, Sjef Theunis. Theunis focuses on the role of information exchange in development activities-specifically on the internationalization of poverty. He writes the NGOs were slow to meet this challenge due to competing issues such as the rise of domestic poverty and the growth of peace and ecology move- ments. Competition between fund-raising and development education stretched diminishing funds-the product of flaccid lobbying efforts and “general malaise” among the northern NGOs. He believes that the NGOs will be able to revive themselves only if they refine their mission, foster cooperation among NGOs, and, considering the emerging situation in Eastern Europe as well other parts of the world, redirect their efforts towards development education.

John Bennett, the editor of the Guide, writes on the UNESCO development work information activities. He first reviews access to information in the “North” and “South” in the context of the technology available within each area. An overview of UNESCO activities follow, stressing the education and development services available through the organization. Bennett then reviews chang- ing perspectives on development work, noting the growth of indigenous NGOs. He concludes with an outline of the existing challenges confronting UNESCO and European NGOs.

The last essay is by Bernard Combes and Joanne Furman, the researchers and compilers of the Guide. In a scholarly manner, they analyze the communication activities of European development

464 Reviews

networks focusing on statistics gathered from their research. The obstacles to information exchange reported by the NGOs hold little surprise for those familiar with nonprofit organizations. Combes and Furman’s prescriptions to improve development communication once again stresses coordination and cooperation among NGOs.

The Grridr is a successful effort to inform NGOs and any other interested parties of existing development activities and networks. The bibliography and appendices following John Bennett’s essay present a rich resource on UNESCO development services, databases, and documentation. Unfortunately, the publication lag, which would have been merely annoying at any other time, is a disservice. Still the information offered is very pertinent: a seemingly out-of-date guide is better than nothing. One can hope that the second edition is in the works and will be distributed more quickly. Strangely enough, none of the organizations included give a ‘Net address. From what is available on PeaceNet and other list serves, the ‘Net has become a valuable tool for NGOs. Perhaps the next edition will be available through subscription FTP from UNESCO.

NOTES

1. James Ridgeway, “Bay of Piglets,” Village Voice (15 December 1992), 31-33. 2. John Bennett, “ Information for Development at UNESCO” in Gui& to rhe Information Actiuities ofhcroprcrn

Development Networks (Paris: UNESCO, 1991). 24.

MARY LUKANUSKI Data Collection Librarian

RAND 1700 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 USA

United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions by U.S. Senate. Committee on Govern- mental Affairs, 102d Congress, 2d Session Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, November 10, 1992. 211~. Y 4.G 74/9:S.Prt.102-509. Item No. 1037-B. ISBN O-16-039526-7. $13.00.

This edition of what is perhaps the only quadrennial serial in the federal government’s publishing establishment appeared a week after the presidential election as a large, yellow-covered paperback. After some explanatory words, a table of contents, and one page devoted to legislative branch appointive jobs, every patronage position in the executive branch is listed, about 48 titles to a page, from the White House Office (p. 3) to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (p. 198). Four appendixes, including federal salary schedules, round out the document. The bland title is better known by its popular name, the P/urn Book (PB). As happens every four years since its inception in 1960, the PB was the most avidly purchased tome in Washington, DC. According to newspaper accounts, within days of its publication the supply was virtually exhausted.

One can peruse the 200.plus pages of PB tables for only so long. It is safe to assert that exposure to the P/urn Book for any length of time is hazardous to one’s eyesight. Indeed, the PB is a riveting read only for the devoted policy wonk; it is not a poetry lover’s delight.

Yet the PB is an important statement. It is issued every four years, shortly after a presidential election, alternately by the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. In imitation of Nature, the PB has stretched its arboreal branches over the years. The 1976 edition, reflecting the Nixon-Ford years, listed about 5.000 patronage positions. The 1980 edition, reflecting Carter’s tenure, listed some 6,500 plums. According to the Forevvord of this version (p. iii), information on “over 9,000” position titles is provided. Patronage is no stranger to Republicans and Democrats alike; it is a growth industry, exemplifying a centrifugal (and inexorable) bureaucratic momentum. The Plwn Book is at once a historical document and a working brief for present planning and future guidance. One of President Clinton’s 746 campaign pledges was to reduce the number of employees in the White House and its several executive offices. It will be instructive to see if the 1996 PB comprises fewer than the five and one- half pages found in this section of the 1992 edition.