ABSTRACT
The Raw Materials Information System (RMIS) was initiated to tie together raw materials and industrial data for the purpose of information dissemination to nation's industrial sector. This effort undertaken by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja consisted of a computerized information system and an automated library system. This study investigates the information management and service utilisation of the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS), Abuja in selected research institutes. To achieve this objective, six research questions were raised. The research method adopted for the study was the survey method. The questionnaire including the unstructured interview and observations of the real-time operations of the information system were used as instruments to collect data. The finding confirms that the Raw Material Information System has the potential to promote research and development activities. It was well structured on an administrative and technical platform to achieve the goals and objectives put before it. The information dissemination activities are delivered at two levels. On the one level is the overwhelming involvement of information communication technology (ICT) structure; and on the second level is the information dissemination profile of the RMRDC Library, which is fully automated. Information generation activities of the RMIS is provided by special 'multidisciplinary task force committees'. These committees provide data from the field and liaison activities. These data are then tied together into information and fed into databank. vii A Local Area Network (LAN) provides the essential backbone for the transmission and exchange of information within the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja, as a whole. Ninety-eight computers were online at the LAN level. Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) communication technology was mounted to provide linkage with other research institutes across the country. The library sub-system provides further boost for the efficacy of the RM1S. It could also be proven that an extensive computer linkage within an environment improves information flow. It also provides instantaneous feedback for the purpose of correcting and improving information dissemination activity. Therefore, a networked information system augments the capabilities of the organization to disseminate information qualitatively and quantitatively. It has also been realized in the course of this study that though the investment in information technology by the RMIS is enormous, however, the dividends in the area of research and development activities far outstripped its costs. It is therefore recommended that ICT standards in all research institutes under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology be raised to promote information dissemination activities.