International cooperation of information consultants: Towards the effective exchange of electronic information

Issues in global exchange of electronic information such as language and cultural differences, technical incompatibility, economic inequity, physical distance, and lack of cooperation are reviewed, based on the experience of a Japanese information constant. Information consultancy is defined as a professional function requiring extensive experience and advanced skills in handling information and technology, providing solutions to their clients' information problems, and, in support of this activity gathering, analyzing, evaluating and interpreting information. The importance of international cooperation among information consultants is emphasized and described in the framework of patterns of organizational affiliation and status. Policy issues involved in initiating such cooperation include (1) selection of communication channels, (2) cost determinations, (3) intellectual property protection, (4) professional ethics, (5) cultural considerations, and (6) language proficiency.