This book presents the tools that are necessary for the acquisition and development of a scientific culture. The work and profile of the information professional is no longer limited to the world of libraries. In countries with developing and peripheral economies that are seeking to reduce dependence on knowledge generated by rich countries it is necessary to develop and foster new professional profiles with high expertise in knowledge generation and management in order to support such paradigm shifts. This comprehensive text presents the case for this paradigm shift and is an ideal resource for information professionals who are interested in new avenues of exploration.