Information Providers Research Articles

Competing for Attention in Knowledge Markets: Electronic Document Dissemination in a Management Consulting Company

The relatively recent explosion of information available in electronic forms makes attention, rather than information, the scarce resource in organizations. In this paper, we theorize about how suppliers of electronic information compete for this resource and use data on document database use in a management consulting company to show that document suppliers that occupied a crowded segment of the firm's internal knowledge market gained less attention from employees (measured as monthly use of their database) but were able to combat this negative competitive effect by being selective and concentrated in their document supply. This result reveals a paradox of information supply in competitive information markets: the less information a supplier offered, the more it was used, because the supplier developed a reputation for quality and focus. We suggest that this view of competition for attention can also be applied to the competition among Web sites in external information markets.

Models of Information Markets: Analysis of Markets, Identification of Services, and Design Models

The Internet reduces much of the costs of information sharing, but it does not solve information receivers’ reading and interpretation limitations. Search engines ease information retrieval but do not solve the problems of specifying information needs and evaluating retrieval results. This article approaches these problems as information market problems with solutions consisting of information market service process models. These models link information suppliers and information buyers and define activities, information resources, and information flows for the information market services. The models identified may improve the quality, speed, design and realisation of information market services summary goes here.

Innovation in the every day life of libraries

A state of the Art trend analysis of the Library and Information science reveals that the Library world is in the midst of the technological restructuring. Every branch of library work changes continuously because of the technological facilities, although the missions and goals remain unaltered. The libraries belong to these professional divisions which involve the innovation and technology transfer in everyday life. In most of the cases innovation either as a product or as a procedure goes into the libraries, it's not a phenomenon produced by them. On the strategic level libraries on average have developed the ability to collect, process and assimilate technological innovation. On the organizational level libraries follow the changes which technology transfer dictates such as close co-operation with computer centers and external commercial information suppliers, software and hardware suppliers, science and technology achievements, etc. It is too common to libraries to develop routines and Best Practices for every task, derived by the technology they use, for the cost decrease, the time save and the increase of the effectiveness and efficiency. The innovative process is the kind which libraries could adopt, as innovation is composed of the systematic retrieve of changes and systematic analysis of the opportunities which these changes could contribute to economic and social improvement. Innovation above all, is a social procedure, as it is interpreted in terms such as creativity, desires, fantasy and the ability to take risks and to change. So innovation and technology transfer differentiates the role of the librarian and extends it beyond the limits of the information intermediary. The librarian in order to involve, anticipate and especially produce innovation has to learn how to learn, as libraries have to learn how to change. The presentation will be a methodological one and will focus on Best Practices, the definition and a short report, how they combine with the library functions and how they produce innovative processes and new Best Practices. An evaluation of Best Practices according the Value Analysis method is included as a prerequisite of the final choice of which practice is characterised as Best and which not.

Book Reviews

A. Morris, N. Jacobs, E. Davies Document delivery beyond 2000. Proceedings of a conference held at the British Library, September 1998 (eds). London : Taylor Graham , 1999 . ISBN 947568 76 X . 188 pp., £30.00 [paperback]. A. Morris, N. Jacobs and E. Davies (eds). London: Taylor Graham, 1999. ISBN 947568 76 X. 188 pp., £30.00 [paperback]. Librarians and information professionals everywhere subscribe to the view that no library is self-sufficient and that we rely on co-operative action in order to meet our users’ needs. Document delivery is central to this interdependence, and it is thus unsurprising that technological advances—notably in the electronic transmission of text and graphics—should be receiving so much attention today. Paradoxically, however, the same technology that enables us institutionally to communicate more efficiently on behalf of our users also increasingly offers those end-users the means of bypassing our institutional information services and of obtaining what they need by direct recourse to publishers and other information suppliers. This conference, sponsored by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) of the UK Higher Education Funding Councils as part of its Electronic Libraries Programme (eLIB), is thus a timely contribution to a debate that has no clear end in sight. Despite its UK and higher education origins, the conference was international in scope, and dealt with topics that are relevant to any librarian dealing with the changing nature of document delivery technology and the need to develop services accordingly. This includes the many health-care librarians working within networks and consortia that offer internal document delivery services as one of their main operational justifications. The conference programme was actually planned with the aid of an e-mail discussion that allowed interested parties to identify themes they wished to see explored. It gave rise to a programme in two phases: the ‘role-focused view’ concentrated on the people involved in the document delivery process, while the ‘infrastructure-focused view’ examined the requirements of the process. The conference proceedings reflect this structure, with 17 papers in two clusters, each followed by a series of short reports from the break-out sessions that developed delegate participation. In the UK—and to a considerable extent internationally—it remains the case that the document delivery market is dominated by the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC), which provided several of the conference speakers. Some of the other contributions here, describing services and products such as LAMDA, EDDIS and ARIEL and other popular buzz-acronyms, might be seen as developments that challenge the predominance of the BLDSC, offering librarians alternative organizational and technological approaches. Inevitably, the focus of attention is the advent of electronic technologies and their potential for streamlining existing delivery channels. It is indeed still the case that most library users require information sources that exist in print form. The BLDSC model of a repository holding stock that can be copied and delivered elsewhere quickly, reliably and cheaply—and its network equivalent, where the repository is the aggregate resources of a co-ordinated group of libraries—will thus continue to occupy centre stage for a while even in the sciences, and for longer in the arts and humanities. This volume of conference papers provides a useful and thought-provoking summary of the options that are available for library services wishing to be aware of the possibilities in document delivery, and explores very thoroughly the organizational, technical and legal issues that need to be considered. However the real debate, not addressed here in any detail, will involve the imminent explosion in the number of full-text electronic journals available to users, and with it their ability to obtain downloaded copies of the articles they require. The consequences for library-based document delivery services are immense.

End‐user document supply or who needs an interlibrary loans service? A special library’s perspective

Increasingly, services that were the preserve of the “traditional” library are being made more available to the end‐user. Many information suppliers are specifically targeting end‐users and offering them direct document access, retrieval and delivery. Where does this leave the information service? This paper outlines some recent developments in end‐user document supply and discusses advantages and disadvantages from both the user’s and the information professional’s point of view, relating in particular to the situation in the author’s own library. A number of services offering end‐user document supply are described. The changing role of the information professional in response to new developments is discussed and a compromise solution proposed whereby new technologies can be harnessed for end‐user benefit while at the same time still employing the added‐value that an information service can offer.

Information dimension, information overload and decision quality

The impact of information load (both under and overload) on decision quality is an important topic, yet results of empirical research are inconsistent. These mixed results may be due to the fact that information load itself is a function of information dimension. A meta-analysis of 31 experiments reported in 18 empirical bankruptcy prediction studies was conducted to test the effect of two information dimensions: information diversity and information repetitiveness. Results indicated that both information dimensions have an adverse impact on decision quality: provision of either diverse or repeated information can be detrimental to prediction accuracy. The findings have implications for information suppliers and researchers who are interested in improving the quality of human decision making.

Information providers Cutting the cherry cake: how the Internet is changing relationships between publishers and hosts

Considers the rapidly changing relationship between information providers (IPs) and online hosts with particular reference to the ability of IPs to make their databases available directly via the Internet and the Web. Although the host/IP relationship has been relatively satisfactory, allowing each to concentrate on their mainstream business, nevertheless, consolidation of the industry into a few major hosts, the advent of the Internet and novel approaches to pricing and product presentation have forced changes in the relationship. Evaluates some of the strengths and weaknesses that both sides currently bring to the online industry, concentrating on: publisher strategies in entering the online market in relation to hosts and other online services the commercial relationships between IP and host; and the potential impact of the industry trend towards bulk deals and lower pricing. Sets out the reasons why IPs express disappointment with the results of their early forays into the online market. Concludes with notes on the concepts of wholesale pricing and retail pricing as applied to online products. Predicts that, in future, most IPs will deliver their own electronic products, via the Internet and often priced competitively with online hosts. However, hosts are in a unique position to create for themselves a specialized alternative role as facilitators, creating links and directing customers to publisher owned Web sites.

Care of primates

Primate Care is a guide for those who either keep or plan to keep primates in their care. As the authors point out in the introduction, primates generally do not make good pets. They are wild animals, and as such can be aggressive, destructive and even dangerous. Indeed, in the UK it is necessary to have a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act in order to keep any monkeys other than marmosets as pets. However, if monkeys are to be kept as pets then their owners should be both forewarned of the difficulties and have access to information on good housing and care. The handbook certainly warns of the problems, and is a source of easily accessible basic information. It includes chapters on New and Old World primates, housing, enrichment, reproduction, nutrition, health and socialization. It also provides a useful address list of suppliers of information, enrichment devices and diets. The layout is friendly and varied, with abundant illustrations. This is a publication that will be useful for shelters that take primates, those who keep primates as pets, and might find a place on the bookshelves of the laboratory animal technician.

Servicios musicales en Red para las bibliotecas de Europa

The Libraries of the European Commission has animated during some years the cooperation between libraries, specialists in the field of TI and suppliers of information like means to establish a structure able to provide new services librarians for the Society of the Information.

Recording, notification, compilation, and classification of statistics of occupational accidents and diseases: the Thai experience.

An International Labour Organization (ILO) project was conducted in July and August 1995 in Thailand to assist with the development of an information system on occupational accidents and diseases for the Workmen's Compensation Fund (WCF). The WCF provides cash benefits and medical care to insured workers who suffer employment injuries. The project included literature research based on the facilities of the ILO in Bangkok, and those of the Thai government, and a thorough review of the ILO Code of Practice (the Code) on recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases, and of other international recommendations on statistics of occupational accidents and diseases. A comparative study of various notification systems of occupational accidents and diseases in Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States was conducted. The project also included fact-finding sessions among various information suppliers and users in Thailand. The Thai notification form for collecting data for the database was redesigned and pretested. Results of the project indicated that the Code is appropriate for the recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases in Thailand. In addition, a number of information requirements, which were included in the notification systems in the countries studied but not listed in the Code, were found to be useful for the database. A list of the baseline variables to be included in the proposed database was developed, the notification form was redesigned, and coding schemes for the information collected on the redesigned form were constructed on the basis of international standard classification systems for economic activity, employment status, occupation, nature of injury, occupational disease, body part, type of accident, and agency. A number of mechanisms were suggested for cross-checking the accuracy of data in the database. Based on the review of the Code and other international recommendations on statistical reporting, a list of baseline statistics was formulated for inclusion in the WCF annual report. Lastly, some suggestions for future statistical analysis of the database were given.

Business information in Denmark

Reviews the most important Danish business information sources with particular reference to those found in the annual Danish Database Directory: INFOSCAN; the Library Directory (Biblioteksvejviser) and the Guide to Special Libraries. Describes the activities of business libraries and information centres in Denmark in terms of the long tradition of service to business and industry practised by Danish academic and special libraries. Lists the most important business information libraries in Denmark, outlining the provision of business information by public libraries, information brokers and consultants, and other business information suppliers. Includes notes on specializations and details of addresses, telephone, fax and electronic mail numbers. Lists sources of information about the European Community, Danish newspapers covering business, trade and industry, and relevant newsletters. Concludes with a case study outlining the development of new business information services in the city of ørhus, citing statistics on use of the Business Information Service at ørhus Public Library, and the activities of the Business Information Centre at the Science Park, ørhus.

Advances in the delivery of patent information

This paper is based on a literature review and small-scale study investigating the advances in the dissemination of patent information and how this has impacted on the users and suppliers of patent information. The study took the form of a survey using postal questionnaires and both telephone and face-to-face interviews. The volume of patent information is increasing each year. New technologies in the electronic storage and retrieval of patent data have revolutionized the accessibility of this type of scientific and technical information. The proliferation of patent databases indicates their technological and legal importance in the global market place. This paper reports the findings of the survey and concludes that paper-based patent information is still a popular means of patent information dissemination due to continued user insistence. However, more and more patent information providers are supplying patent data in electronic form; such as on magnetic tapes, online, CD-ROMs, diskettes, etc. The emergence of the Internet and satellite systems as a means of transporting large numbers of documents in electronic form, at high speeds around the world, is also seen as a major advance in the dissemination of patent information.

Success factors for collaborative product development: A study of suppliers of information and communication technology: Margaret Bruce, Fiona Leverick, Dale Littler, and Dominic Wilson, R&D Management (January 1995), pp. 33–44

Success factors for collaborative product development: A study of suppliers of information and communication technology: Margaret Bruce, Fiona Leverick, Dale Littler, and Dominic Wilson, R&D Management (January 1995), pp. 33–44

An Introduction to the Collectible Sportscard Market

The primary and secondary market activity in collectible sportscards has evolved into that of a primitive, but organised financial market. This report reviews some aspects of the collectible sportscard market. The objective of the report is to introduce the sportscard investment medium to finance professionals, including those interested in the research potential of the market. The report includes an empirical analysis of the performance of some selected sportscard portfolio strategies for the period between March 1988 and December 1993. Sportscard collecting has evolved from an adolescent hobby of the 1950s into an active national market, estimated to involve approximately $5 billion and 3 million persons and served by a network of dealers and price information suppliers. The evolution of the sportscard market into its current state is described in this presentation. The description includes an empirical analysis of the performance of some selected sportscard portfolio strategies for the period between March 1988 and December 1993. The objective of the report is to provide information to those considering collectible sportscards as an investment medium and to those who might be interested in conducting financial research with collectible sportscard pricing data.

Success factors for collaborative product development: a study of suppliers of information and communication technology

AbstractIt is apparent that more and more organizations are embarking on collaborative ventures to develop products. This is particularly evident in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors, so much so that part of the ‘received wisdom’ of ICT companies is that collaboration is the preferred route for product development. The benefits of collaboration have been well documented and are linked to the complexity and costliness of product development and the need for inputs from wide and varied areas of expertise as well as shorter lead times for product development. But the risks and costs of collsborative product development have been less well defined. In this paper, it is argued that the alleged rewards of collaboration may not be experienced in practice and that collaboration can lengthen the product development process, add to the cost of product development and prove difficult to control. However, management practice can facilitate the effective outcome of collaborative product development and the critical factors affecting the likelihood of successful management practice are presented here.

Conditions for Internal Entrepreneurship

Numerous organizations find themselves in a “turbulent field”. The greater the complexity of their environment, the greater is their external uncertainty. It is possible to cope with these uncertainties by structuring the organization differently and bringing about a new way of thinking. Royal PTT Nederland NV (KPN) is an organization which has undergone a sweeping process of change. To be the best provider of information transport, the company had to change its internal working methods and adopt an “entrepreneurial” approach. Examines some theoretical notions of entrepreneurs and managers. Looks at two cases at PTT Telecom (one of KPN′s operating companies) in which the authors were involved. One case relates to the fundamentals of a major reorganization programme that got under way in late 1990 and will affect virtually all the company′s employees. The other case gives a detailed understanding of the introduction of a new company management style and the shared values based on it. Uses all this to draw some conclusions and to provide a platform for further discussions with regard to internal entrepreneurship.

Competition in the local loop: Towards an anticyclical competition policy in telecommunications

This paper investigates which governmental policies are most suitable for creating an innovative telecommunications market at the local level, focusing on the relation between the local telecommunications network and local CATV networks. Regulatory policies must put more emphasis on competition instead of stimulating specific technological innovations. There is a need for an anticyclical competition policy which will enhance competition if the telecommunications market is insufficiently innovative and restrict competition if the market becomes extremely detrimental to innovation. The regulatory model to be applied to the local loop should not be the common carrier model, but rather the press model of regulation, providing free entry for all network operators and information suppliers to the telecommunications market.

African Americans and Privacy

In January 1991, Lotus Development Corporation announced its intention to abandon efforts to develop a new software product because of what it understood to be a groundswell of public opposition. This product, Lotus Marketplace, was to have provided its customers with personal information about the resources and habits of the members of some 120 million U.S. households. The sorts of information Lotus would supply were already easily attainable from a host of information suppliers serving the direct marketing industry, but what made the Lotus product different was that it would be available on CD-ROM disks, which could be searched by anyone with an Apple Macintosh computer, a video-disc player, and $695 for the first 5,000 names. Lotus and its partner, Equifax, had apparently lost an early battle in what promises to be a hotly contested war to determine who has the right to control the collection, sharing, and use of personal information. The contemporary debate about privacy takes place in the context of substantial changes in the structure of the American political economy. The effort to rationalize the production, distribution, and sale of goods and services has involved the widespread computerization of many of the routine processes involved in these spheres. The coordination of these increasingly complex systems has come to require the collection, storage, and use of unimaginable amounts of information-much of which is information about identifiable individuals. Modem telecommunications systems provide for reli-

The CD-ROM as an innovative medium of disseminating official North Rhine-Westphalian statistics

255 While the results of the numerous censuses have traditionally been published and recorded in the statistical database of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) now all interested parties active in the area of politics, administration, commerce, research, societies and institutions, and all citizens have been able to obtain comprehensive data on a novel medium, the CD Statistik. This is a CD-ROM which contains data and information from the official statistical records of North Rhine-Westphalia. 1. Preliminary remarks The need for reliable information on population and economy, culture and soci­ ety has considerably grown in the past decades. Official statistics has held a promi­ nent position among the suppliers of information for a long time now. More thim 200 primary and secondary statistical surveys are carried out using comprehensive question schemes on federal and federal state legal authority. The national census of 25 May 1987 with its various possibilities for evaluating contents and regions led to the production of substantial quantities of data which the user of official statistical data can hardly cope with in an efficient working system if he relies on traditional methods. As the user has been benefitting from advanced technologies in the analysis and interpretation of data, whereby a clear break away from the mainframe and a trend towards decentralized EDP utilization with the aid of PCs . or workstations can be observed, it became necessary for official statistics to react to these changes and to find new methods of distributing its data. The technologi­ cal developments with the CD-ROM have provided a new, efficient medium for distributing comprehensive databases just in time: The enormous memory capacity of 660 MB, the exceptional data security, linkage with the' PC and excellent retrieval facilities provided by the software industry have allowed the CD-ROM to become an innovative medium in distributing data and information (Schwerhoff and Schiiler, 1988; Pricking, 1989; Menssen, 1990). . , The Administrative Office for Data Processing and Statistics in North Rhine

Cooperative prototyping: users and designers in mutual activity

In most development projects, descriptions and prototypes are developed by system designers on their own utilizing users as suppliers of information on the use domain. In contrast, we are proposing a cooperative prototyping approach where users are involved actively and creatively in design and evaluation of early prototypes. This paper illustrates the approach by describing the design of computer support for casework in a technical department of a Danish municipality. Prototyping is viewed as an ongoing learning process, and we analyse situations where openings for learning occur in the prototyping activity. The situations seem to fall into four categories: (1) Situations where the future work situation with a new computer application is simulated to some extent to investigate the future work activity; (2) situations where the prototype is manipulated and used as a basis for idea exploration; (3) situations focusing on the designers' learning about the users' work practice; (4) situations where the prototyping tool or the design session as such becomes the focus. Lessons learned from the analysis of these situations are discussed. In particular we discuss a tension between the need for careful preparation of prototyping sessions and the need to establish conditions for user and designer creativity. Our conclusion is that users and designers should prepare to learn from breakdowns and focus shifts in cooperative prototyping sessions rather than trying to avoid them.