Networks of scientific information and the Challenges for science popularization: case study in SIEO Network - Specialized Information System in Dentistry Area

Abstract

Introduction: Contemporary studies about science have highlighted the deep social roots that both knowledge and scientific practices have. At the same time, arises the awareness that the popularization of science is fundamental to scientific knowledge, may become an essential component of the culture of the citizens in general, providing the integration cultural, social and economic.

Objective: To study the potential role of cooperative networks of information in the popularization of science, considering several organizational challenges (infrastructure, human resources, senior management commitment) that a SIEO network would have to operate in this new context.

Methodology: It is based on an exploratory study guided the model of collaborative network of information that used a qualitative research as guide as well as a documentary research combined with a case study.

Results: Results show that, although the network is prepared in terms of organizational and operational structure and quality of their collections, the lack of financial resources and qualified staff for the generation of specific materials to disseminate scientific and actions towards the popularization of science inhibits the possibilities of immediate use of this potential. It also showed that organizational culture is still somewhat flexible to the interaction with the most popular segments of society.

Conclusion: Concludes that the fact cited, demands actions of mediation in service to this user, whether by language of information retrieval which allow establish equivalences between specialized language and ordinary language, whether other more appropriate forms of representation of scientific information, aimed at scientific dissemination.