The Institute for Studies on Scientific Research and Documentation (ISRDS) of the Italian National Research Council has been cradle and home for AIDA during its first 20 years. From the Institute the Association absorbed vital lymph both for the definition of its programmes and for its own management. Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of AIDA, it could be useful a reflection about a number of factors, such as: the influence of the cultural humus in which AIDA has been immersed during all its existence till now, the stimuli seized and the opportunities missed by AIDA. To this end, and for the benefit of the reflection, the paper will give a review of those ISRDS's activities particularly oriented towards the launch of a National Scientific Information Policy together with those oriented to the systematic documentation of science, a strategic factor for every National Scientific Policy.