The Future of Organizing Knowledge. Papers Presented at the Texas A&M University Libraries Centennial Academic Assembly, September 24, 1976.

The three papers presented at this assembly focused on communications technology and the information industry, organization of information, and development of the Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) system. "The Communications Revolution: America's Third Century Challenge" examines the growth of society from a pre- to a post-industrial society and the subsequent growth of the information industry and an information-based economy. While communications technologies can aid in systematically creating "information literacy" for all adults, it is also necessary to prepare individuals so that they may comprehend and apply communication capabilities and realize the potential of these technologies. "The Future of Organizing Knowledge: A Matter of Access" addressed the future of organizing information as the essential precursor of knowledge and wisdom, and claims that the ultimate objective of the information services is to provide access to information, thereby making information processing more efficient. The Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) system is examined in "The Many Facets of MARC," which covers the development of MARC, technical processing, files, acquisitions, and other significant aspects of the distribution service. (CWM)