The electronic publishing revolution is not "global

Proclamations of a global information revolution are in accord with the daily experience of many who live in wealthy countries where interactive CD-ROM products are now being released and high-bandwidth computer networks are essential tools for research and development communities. However, the phrase sounds somewhat glib to many of those who live in poorer countries. As information systems contribute to making organizations more complex and as the contribution of value-added industries to overall economic strength grows in proportion to the contribution of raw materials, the gap in economic strength between rich and poor countries is likely to widen. In this respect, information services such as electronic publishing must be seen as contributing to existing disparities rather than to reducing them. An awareness of the particular conditions found in developing countries and policies sensitive to them are prerequisites for any progress.