Increasing the potential of special libraries in countries in transition

Abstract

The paper describes the efforts made in recent years to promote the concepts of information management, information policy and information strategy in order to help special libraries and information and documentation services in countries in transition in reinforcing their missions and roles. Part One emphasizes the relevance of those concepts in the specific situation resulting from the political, economic and organizational changes brought by the transition to a market economy. In Part Two the results of three surveys of the work of special libraries in Slovenia from 1992–1995 are analyzed. The results of the survey show that most special libraries and information/documentation services in Slovenia (and we can safely presume that the situation is similar in other countries in transition) currently operate along traditional lines as regards the concept and practice of library and information work. The adoption of strategic planning of information and information management concepts and practices by special libraries promises a way out of the existing, outdated modes of operation.