Information horizons: the long-term social implications of new information technologies

Information Horizons provides a timely guide to the prevailing schools of thought and separates the facts from the fiction. The book focuses on the nature of the technological change that we are experiencing and on the social pro cesses with which this technological change is intertwined. It discusses the pace and direction of techno logical change, the applications of IT in manufacturing and services, and the key issues of employment, skills and centralization versus de-cen tralization. It considers the implica tions of IT for broader aspects of our way of life - both in the home and in the community. Finally, the different strands are drawn together in a conclusion which stresses the need to integrate forecasting in the formulation of policy.

The book addresses some of the great issues of our time. It will be essential reading both for social science and business students as well as all those concerned with computers and the new information technology.