Rural business information needs in the north-east of Scotland

Describes the results of a Scottish Library and Information
Council-funded project into the business information
needs of companies in the rural areas of the north-east of
Scotland. Based on a survey by questionnaire, interviews
and case studies, describes the information providers
available to rural businesses, the pattern of present use of
such agencies by companies, the nature of respondents’
information needs, problems in accessing information and
attitudes to IT. Highlights as significant to businesses
particular types of information, some of which are felt to
require the support of expert advice. The use of existing
agencies suggests that many companies are poorly
informed as to which agencies to approach and that these
are less likely to approach libraries than “business”
organizations, i.e. those providers which are seen as being
more dedicated to the interests of the business community.
Finds that business information provision is a dynamic and
constantly shifting environment, in terms of the appearance
and demise of information providers; and suggests
there are lessons to be learned from the experience of the
traditional and long-established services.