bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public business libraries: the next chapter
Authors: Day Ann
Published: October 2003

Traces the history of the provision of business information by Leeds Public Libraries, UK, from the opening of the Public Commercial and Technical Library in 1918 to the revolutionary impact of the Internet in the 1990s. Describes how the Library came to terms with the need to integrate the Internet into its mainstream business information services, with particular reference to its limitations and to the provision of company information, market research, British Standards information, press cuttings and articles from specialized trade and scientific journals, and patents information. Focuses on some of the reasons why the public business library is still needed as a service to businesses, even after the introduction of the Internet and considers the Library’s changing role and the need to impress on all concerned, especially government, the continuing value of these services. Looks to the partnerships formed by the Library over the years and the ways in which these are expected to assist in realizing future opportunities, in particular, the fact that all public libraries in England gained free Internet access at the end of 2001. Offers some useful ideas about how the Library could develop, noting that SINTO, a Sheffield based information network formed in 1938 and originally a partnership between the public library, the two Sheffield universities and various leading steel companies of the time, is being examined as a model for future services in Leeds. Concludes that the way forward can be defined in terms of five actions: redefinition of priorities; marketing; budgets; resources; and the use of information technology (IT).
Applied ethics in business information units
Authors: Gordon-Till Jonathan
Published: October 2003

The primary thesis of this paper is that business information professionals commonly overlook ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Although the thesis remains unproven, the author highlights, by way of real and hypothetical case studies, a number of situations in which ethical tensions can be identified, and suggests that information professionals need to be more aware of the moral context of their actions. Resolving ethical dilemmas should be one of the aims of competent information professionals and their managers, although it is recognized that dilemmas often cannot easily be resolved. A background to the main theories of applied ethics forms the framework for later discussion.
Information services in investment banking: their evolution and future
Authors: Jewell Mark
Published: October 2003

The information services developed to serve the needs of financial services and investment banking information users have evolved rapidly in recent years as the way in which such information is used has changed. Users want to take content from a variety of sources, combine and integrate it into their own working tools and portals and not be constrained by vendors’ predetermined formats. Investment banking information services have moved from a situation where most information retrieval took place via an intermediary and had a significant hard copy component to one where users typically do a good deal of their own searching and retrieval using electronic sources. Examines what investment banks do for their clients, the major drivers for change in the industry that might affect information professionals and the implications of this for the information services. Specific aspects of information provision cover: information use in banks; delivery of financial information; and new trends in information distribution (including Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs)). Concludes that it will require a greater effort on the part of the workforce in this sector to meet the information needs of their users and a more substantial evolution of their professional skills than has recently been demanded. If managers fail to lead their organizations in the right direction by reacting to these changes, then they are likely to see their role diminish.
Data protection issues for intranets and Web sites
Authors: Pedley Paul
Published: October 2003

Individuals have become increasingly concerned about data protection issues in recent years and due largely to the Internet, where there have been concerns about the level of unsolicited commercial Email ("spam") received and the amount of personal data about themselves which has been processed via the Web without their knowledge. The Internet and electronic commerce has created potential threats to consumers' privacy on an unprecedented scale. The principles of good information handling that are aimed at protecting against such abuses appear in Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 1998, where the eight data protection principles are that data must be: processed fairly and lawfully; for limited purposes (notified to the Commissioner and the data subject); adequate, relevant and not excessive; accurate; not kept for longer than is necessary; processed in line with the data subject's rights; kept secure; and not transferred to countries without adequate protection. In addition, the Office of the Information Commissioner has produced some guidance relating to the protection of privacy on the Internet specifies that, in using the Internet for their business dealings, data controllers must take into account the privacy rights of individuals and their own responsibilities under privacy and data protection legislation. This was followed in June 2001 by some compliance advice concerning Web sites where to be fair, Web site operators must ensure that individuals are aware of: the identity of the person or organization responsible for operating the Web site; the purposes for which the data are to be processed; and any other information that is needed in order to ensure the fairness of the processing of the data. Pays particular attention to such issues as: data protection and privacy statements; direct marketing applications; cookies; Web bugs; junk Email and spam; and data security.
Adding value in electronic publishing - taking the reader’s perspective
Authors: Bide Mark
Published: October 2003

The value chain, first proposed by Michael Porter, is an abstract model which aids understanding of the role of intermediaries in ‘adding value’ to raw material as it is processed for consumers. This paper sets out an adaptation of Porter’s original value chain model, modified to make it more applicable to the ‘information value chain’ - the processes by which this rather specialized raw material - ‘information’ - is processed between author and reader. As information dissemination moves from physical media to the network, this model provides a way of describing the impact of commodification of some aspects of traditional added value and of identifying where the greatest opportunities to add value will lie in the future.
Company annual reports: ensuring access for researchers
Authors: Reid Christine D.
Published: October 2003

Many of the recent company collapses, such as Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and Global Crossing, are believed to have been predictable by the detailed reading of several years of a company’s annual report and accounts. A company’s published annual report and accounts are important primary documents for anyone with an interest in the organization and electronic databases are therefore frequently seen as one convenient method of providing access to annual report information. Typical databases providing this service include: Perfect Information; Juniper; UK Company Factfinder; Global Access; Business Browser; and CAROL (Company Annual Reports Online). A closer look, however, reveals that these services, in addition to being expensive, have a number of inherent limitations. A project was undertaken by the libraries of London Business School, Manchester Business School, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Warwick to find a solution to this problem. The project, “Company annual reports: assuring the distributed national print archive”, funded by the Research Support Libraries Programme (RSLP) and running from October 2000 to July 2002, aimed: to provide a comprehensive national resource for researchers interested in using annual report literature; to identify and catalogue major collections of historic company annual reports (substantive collections of pre-1995 material); to address collection development issues, in particular retention policies; and to investigate the potential for the development of a national collection strategy for company annual reports. The project outcome was the development of the SCoRe Database (Search Company Reports) (http://www.score.ac.uk), a Web based, national union catalogue of company annual report holdings in major collections held by academic and national libraries.
From brand extension to migration: the business publishing industry today
Authors: Sparks Sue
Published: October 2003

This article sets out to summarize some of the most important features of the business publishing industry in the UK and discusses the threats and opportunities it faces against the background of the last few rather turbulent years.
Business information in the marketplace
Authors: McLachlan John
Published: October 2003

An examination of senior UK management’s attitudes towards business information and use of it, with particular reference to the supply of such information by the business newsletter industry, drawing on trends identified in a recent survey carried out by FTBI, the arm of the Financial Times Group that publishes a wide range of business information, including newsletters and management reports.
Local government: an unusual market for business information
Authors: Owen Tim
Published: October 2003

Local authorities need business information for a wide range of purposes, including fulfilling their enabling role, promoting local economic development, forging links between business and the community and carrying out their statutory functions. But their unusual needs present special problems for information providers. This article describes how the London Research Centre has set about meeting these needs, and how they have changed over the last decade. It gives details of the most common current business information applications, assesses likely future developments, and warns that vendors will have to tailor their approach carefully if they wish to take advantage of this market.
The emergence of the “cybrarian”: a new organisational model for corporate libraries
Authors: Bauwens Michel
Published: October 2003

Describes a new organisational model for corporate libraries using the latest technology and taking into account modern business practices within large companies.
Online database use by a small firm
Authors: Webb Brian , McGaffin Ken
Published: October 2003

An experiment in online business information retrieval was conducted within a small firm. The objective was to test the performance of online business information retrieval in a real business environment. It was found that, despite being handicapped by lack of end-user training and experience, the online service scored well against the manual alternative. The results of this experiment have wider implications for researchers, policy makers, online hosts and business end-users.
Providing information for small firms at Business Link Hertfordshire
Authors: Abell Angela
Published: October 2003

Discusses the assumptions behind the formulation of an Information Policy for Business Link Hertfordshire. Based on a paper presented at the North East Regional Business Information Conference, organised by Tyne & Wear Chamber of Commerce, Durham, July 1993.
Teletext: New Life for an Under-Rated Source?
Authors: Gregg Paul
Published: October 2003

This article assesses the range of business information currently available on teletext, and examines significant new developments.
Historical on-line database services: the MMC report on FT PROFILE
Authors: Oppenheim Charles
Published: October 2003

Evaluates the findings of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on Historical on-line database services.
Scottish business information: a guide to published sources
Authors: Reid Christine , Webster Keith
Published: October 2003

Identifies sources which concentrate specifically on Scotland and Scottish business and industry.
Chinese business information sources: an update
Authors: Ying-Shan Han , Yongheng Zhong
Published: October 2003

Examines the new Chinese business information sources which have emerged over the past few years, including directories, newsletters, databases, associations and information firms.
Market Research in the US-Part 2: demographic data-who’s living where, doing what
Authors: Pagell Ruth A
Published: October 2003

Evaluates key commercial publications and syndicated sources of U.S. demographic information
Market research in the USA: part 4. Data from the Census of Population and Housing
Authors: Pagell Ruth A.
Published: October 2003

The US Bureau of the Census conducts the Economic Census and the Census of Population and Housing that form the basis for much of the demographic data available in the USA. This article examines the Census of Population and Housing. It explains how the Census is organized, highlights those reports that are relevant to marketing and describes how to access the data.
People: where to find information about North American business leaders
Authors: Mann Barbara , Pagell Ruth A.
Published: October 2003

Describes business and non-business biographical information sources and finding aids for locating North American (USA and Canada) business leaders (directors; corporate officers; and board members) and finding information about them. Sources listed and described include: company directories; biographical directories; the Encyclopedia of American Business History and Biography Series; and full-text CD-ROM business databases. Lists a range of CD-ROM databases and online databases containing biographical information and describes individual online and CD-ROM databases covering business information generally but also including biographical information. Lists and describes selected general biographical databases, which nevertheless contain useful information about people in the business sphere, and some historical sources.
Singapore investment and business information: sources and organizations
Authors: Hepworth Mark
Published: October 2003

Reviews the significant sources of business information in Singapore. Focuses on the financial sector and information of interest to the financial sector published in Singapore but includes sources that should also be of interest to information users outside this sector. Lists sources covering: background information; key organizations; information sources and reports produced by the financial sector (particularly security houses); and other general business sources and databases. Where possible, World Wide Web (WWW) sites are given for key organizations, particularly those that are providing value added services.
Business Link information pricing policies – the way ahead
Authors: Burke Maria E. , Rigby Joanne
Published: October 2003

Describes the formation of the Business Link Information Service (BLIS) by Business Link Oldham, UK, and the three year limit to government funding of Business Links, which obliged BLIS to seek means for charging for its services. Presents details of a project undertaken to introduce a charging structure for BLIS: beginning with a literature search and followed by a comparative analysis of the price lists of other local Business Link information services in the North West of England. A decision was taken to charge for the so-called 2nd level of enquiry, based on the cost of staff and resources, and this was incorporated into the preliminary pricing scheme. Customer reaction to this scheme was evaluated under working conditions using a select sample of clients, over a four-week period. Results were encouraging as the majority of clients chose to continue with their enquiry when informed that a cost would be involved: particularly where online searches were involved. Results were used to draw up a feasible price list and strategy for introducing charging for new and existing customers.
Upstairs, downstairs: public service initiatives at Baker Library
Authors: Ounanian Allison , Bartlett Karol
Published: October 2003

Describes the planning and implementation of two concurrent systems reorganizations, undertaken at the Baker Library, Harvard Business School (HBS), Massachusetts. The first initiative involved the merging of the Reference and Circulation functions to create an Information Services Center, with the aim of providing a single point of contact for users and allowing triage by library staff of the most commonly asked questions: directional or reference. The second initiative involved the merging of two interdependent departments separated physically by two floors within the building: Corporate Information and the ‘Cole Room’; with the aim of enabling library staff from the two departments to work together and providing closer proximity of the library collections and the experts who manage them. The change was also seen as a means of creating a ‘laboratory space’ in which to practise a service delivery model and design the optimal space for the new library interior to come.
Tracking Russian business information on the Internet
Authors: Medesan Anca
Published: October 2003

Notes that the majority of Russian business information sources are in English, most is sponsored by Russian investment companies with advertising aimed at foreign investors, and is therefore easily accessible through the Internet and the Web. Presents a guide to searching for Russian business information via the Internet noting that particular problems likely to be encountered, including ephemeral, fast changing and sometimes unreliable Web sites and links. Suggests selected Web sites as useful starting points for Internet searching and discusses the problems of searching online Russian newspapers and newspaper information services, such as: Izvestia; Russian Press Digest; Daily News Service; Business and Economic Report; Russian Story; St Petersburg Times; and Vladivostok News. Reports ways of searching for company financial data, stocks and bonds, and corporate financial information from the various SKATE services of the Moscow Times Index. Other sources include: brokerage house newsletters; RINACOPlus; Ataman; official financial information (including the Russian Stock Exchange); business legislation (Izvestia’s legal database and the Russian Legal Server). Concludes with an outline of Russian markets and contacts, business directories and telephone directories, guides to exhibitions, trading houses, economic advisers and foreign information sources on Russian business. Points to the potential of the Internet in bringing quality Russian news and business information to desktops around the world.
Legal resources for business on the Internet
Authors: Elliot Franki
Published: October 2003

Lists and discusses the range of legal information sources for business available online via the Internet and the Web. Resources are classified as primary, secondary and tertiary sources and the majority of examples are from Canada or the USA. Primary sources include statutory, case and other law-related items. Secondary sources include publishers of business and legal documents with catalogues of their publications. Tertiary sources include accounting and law firms, law schools and universities, professional law associations, directories of companies, registers of experts in specialty fields and newsletters and newswire services. Concludes with brief notes on international directories, megasites, search engines and useful advice on how to use the information to improve businesses. Web sites are quoted, with URLs, for all resources listed.
Government departments: developments in the delivery of information
Authors: Lampard Liz
Published: October 2003

The rapid increase in UK government information, brought about by restructuring, Next Steps programme, Citizen’s Charter and Open Government, makes it increasingly difficult for users to trace and exploit what is available. Examines the influence of these factors on the growing numbers of CD-ROM and online databases and faxback services with particular reference to the adoption of the Information Society Initiative strategy which aims to make every UK individual able and confident in using the latest information technology. Pays particular attention to the availability of information sources from the government and government departments via the Internet and World Wide Web noting: the availability of Hansard on the Internet; the Access Business project; and the setting up by the Cabinet Office of the direct.link service for organizations providing public services electronically. Concludes with brief notes on other non-Internet electronic sources of governmentrelated information.
Tax resources for business on the Internet
Authors: Elliott Franki
Published: October 2003

Recommends the Internet and World Wide Web as an essential tool for finding information about taxation and tax research and reviews sources for taxation in Canada. Primary sources include: Revenue Canada; Finance Canada; Justice Canada; Revenu Quebec; IRS; Inland Revenue; and selected sources from New Zealand and Japan. Lists a range of secondary sources from authoritative publishers, such as the Thomson group, and the Canadian source QL System. The tertiary sources section deals with the Web sites of professional legal and accounting firms, related associations and the universities which train members of these professions. Concludes with notes on newswires and listservs and specialist Web sites, such as Cornell University Law School; Inference Find; and review articles covering latest developments in taxation issues.
Resetting the compass for the business information landscape
Authors: Hall Hazel , Burke Maria E.
Published: October 2003

The compilation of a new textbook on business information sources (Navigating business information sources: a practical guide for information managers, Library Association, 1998) provided the authors with an opportunity to consider and review developments in business information, including the current and possible future issues of importance to those involved in its provision. Considers the context in which business organizations are operating at the close of the twentieth century, including technical advances and deregulation combined with increased trade freedom in much of the world. Companies can now take advantage of the sophisticated global information technology infrastructures, such as the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) for the movement of resources such as capital and information. Notes the transition from print to electronic media as the dominant format for information storage and retrieval and the convergence of previously separate media, such as text graphics and sound into multimedia resources such as: Reuters Equity Focus and Bloomberg Financial Markets. End-users now have a wide range of information tools and business information managers must prove the worth of their services in providing information that can lead to better decision-making and exploitation of new business opportunities.
Niche publishing on the Web: using online communities to change the economics of niche publishing
Authors: Gray Andrew
Published: October 2003

Comments on the explosive growth of both the demand and the supply side of the Internet and the increasing problems caused by users, who are fuelling the growth in demand, being significantly less experienced than those who connected to the Internet earlier in its growth cycle. Notes that the explosion of products and services on the supply side is leading to an increasingly complicated and confusing array of products. Discusses the characteristics of community-oriented Web sites, tightly focused on the needs of particular professional communities, as a way of overcoming these problems and considers how they can impact the Internet strategies of niche publishers. Options for this type of Internet publishing are seen to be: migration strategies; new product strategies; new market strategies; and community strategies. Outlines briefly the common issues associated with the first three options then details the attractive features of the community-oriented approach in terms of: real-time news; database content; information wizards; local area search engines; Internet links; directories; discussion boards (forums); Web sites; alerts; and sector-specific malls.
The Financial Times: an introduction
Authors: Tait Frances
Published: October 2003

Presents a brief guide to the Financial Times(FT) newspaper, designed for those who are not financial specialists but who need to find key information in the FT London edition. Points to information only found on particular days of the week or month and the special supplements on various industries and countries, useful for background information and statistics as well as for advertising. Describes the two main sections: general political and companies and markets, with particular emphasis on the latter. Concludes with notes on sections devoted to: companies and finance UK; commodities and agriculture; international capital markets; currencies and money; Managed Funds Service; World Stock Markets; London Share Service; FTSE Indices; futures and options; and economic indicators. Concludes that the FTcontains a wealth of information not found elsewhere and well beyond its main brief of providing financial information.
Me and my electronic shadow: privacy – a rising trend
Authors: Riley Thomas B
Published: October 2003

Considers why privacy and the protection of personal data has become such an issue in the new technological environments, particularly relating to traffic over the Internet. Discusses some of the national and international solutions being proposed, as well as technological solutions being offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Points to specific cases of the abuse of personal information, in Europe, UK, Canada and the USA and the need for the revision of specific privacy laws and the approaches currently taken by these countries. Examines what the impact of the European Directive on Data Protection might mean to countries that trade with European countries and argues strongly the case for international standards. Focuses on the approaches to privacy taken by the USA.
Caveat Inquisitor: getting the best out of business information in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Webb Trevor J
Published: October 2003

Newly liberalized countries in Central and Eastern Europe are managing to make rapid economic progress in a free market environment despite the lack of a Western style established infrastructure for generating business information. Argues that this is because: existing economic and business structures were not extinguished by socialism and sometimes became stronger as a result of suppression; the information generating infrastructure is as important as the information itself; and business information is neither uniformly critical for success nor reliable in the absence of people with suitable interpretive skills. Discusses each of these three issues in turn with examples drawn from a wide range of countries and including notes on the black and grey economies.
Meeting the needs of different ethnic firms’ export information requirements: an exploratory study
Authors: Chaudhry Shiv , Crick Dave
Published: October 2003

This study provides empirical data concerning the perceived usefulness of sources of export information together with types of information required by Asian and indigenous1 (white) owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Findings are based on an exploratory investigation involving personal interviews and the t-test procedure is employed to establish that statistical differences exist between the groups of firms in relation to both their perceived usefulness of a number of sources and types of information required. The findings also suggest that certain organizations and especially libraries are rated low by managers in relation to their usefulness in supplying this information.
Cable & Wireless – past, present and future: The telecom giant awakens
Authors: Knowling Lynn S. , Burke Maria E.
Published: October 2003

Presents a current overview of the UK telecommunications group Cable & Wireless. Describes its existing global business, with subsidiaries in over 50 countries and links with many major companies and overseas governments. Discusses the development of communications, from copper cables transmitting Morse code to modern fibre optic strands using laser light, reviewing the introduction of satellite and digital technology, computers and the Internet. Debates the convergence and possible future combination of these technologies in a multimedia communications revolution. Examines the precedents set in the early 20th century with mergers of cable and radio companies, and considers the possibility of similar mergers in the future between cable, satellite, computer and media businesses. Describes C&W’s involvement with Microsoft and BSkyB in areas such as: Web TV; set-top boxes; video-on-demand and digitization.
Search engines and news services: developments on the Internet
Authors: Webber Sheila
Published: October 2003

Focuses on some issues relating to Internet search engines, (such as Alta Vista, HotBot and Yahoo!) and their use in news information Web sites on the Internet, some of the ways in which search engine providers are trying to improve searching performance and some of the choices facing information providers. Reviews ways in which search engine providers are responding to the challenge of improving searching, including: adding a selective, browsable database as an alternative; including only home pages (producing fewer hits) and browsability; adding company information; adjusting the weightings on their relevance rankings; building up searches; and allowing Boolean logic and field searching. Examines the options facing providers of news information on the Internet, particularly primary sources such as newspapers, news agencies and television companies. Discusses issues such as: whether or not to charge; the types of hyperlinks to provide; whether or not to partner and become a portal; the desirability of electronic mail alert; and the acceptability of news aggregation.
Patents information: what’s in it for the business information user?
Authors: Newton David
Published: October 2003

Considers the value of patents as sources of business information in view of their variable and inconsistent quality, bearing in mind that only 2% of patented inventions become commercial products. Discusses a range of factors involved in using patent information, including: national and regional patents; access to patent information; and the role of specialist patent libraries (with particular reference to the British Library, Science Reference and Information Service (BL SRIS)); and the use of patents as indicators and sources of commercial intelligence, involving patent analysis by country and company and use of citation analysis techniques.
Story telling: an old skill in a new context
Authors: Snowden David
Published: October 2003

Story telling is a uniting and defining component of all communities. The quality of story telling and its conformity or otherwise with desired corporate values is one measure of the overall health of an organization. Stories exist in all organizations; managed and purposeful story telling provides a powerful mechanism for the disclosure of intellectual or knowledge assets in companies. It can also provide a non-intrusive, organic means of producing sustainable cultural change; conveying brands and values; transferring complex tacit knowledge. Too many management theories are based on mechanical models of the organization, which fail to recognize that success is best achieved by treating the organization as a complex ecology, whose workings cannot be fully predicted. In this article the use of story telling will be explored in respect of different business purposes. This will provide a pragmatic approach to the use of the age old ability of communities to convey complex knowledge through story telling which will provide readers with tools and concepts that can be readily applied in their own organizations.
More tables, less trees: five solutions for paperless distribution of research findings
Authors: Macer Tim
Published: October 2003

Market research reports still continue to be expected to arrive in paper form despite the advances in electronic publication and dissemination of information. Users still expect to be able to locate a table, produce copies and type them into reports. Argues the potential of electronic publishing techniques for improving this process by outlining the inherent disadvantages of paper based distribution. Considers the available technology, including browsers and end user analysis tools. Accepts the value of the Internet but points to the continuing value of physical media such a CD-ROM and floppy disk. Reviews in detail five specific tools available, including: Adobe Acrobat; ITE electronic fiche; SPSS SmartViewer; Memphis Survey Explorer; and Pulsar. Reports practical experience gained with these technologies at the European Commission (ITE), UK’s Office for National Statistics (ITE); and Public Affairs Department, London Borough of Barnet (Survey Explorer). Concludes that, when replacing printed market research reports with something that relies an computer technology, it is vital that users of the data perceive the new solution to be more useful and as easy to use.
Knowledge management: has it changed my working life? Will it change yours?
Authors: Edgar Susan
Published: October 2003

Recent years have seen a rapid growth in the literature of knowledge management (KM) with over 1800 different software products labelled as KM, even though companies interpret the definition in different ways. Notes that this lack of consensus has not prevented the considerable expenditure of money on courses, seminars and conferences on how to develop knowledge management programmes and even how to define it. The author records the ways in which KMhas changed her working life through the need to understand the concept as interpreted by the companies she has worked for. Concludes that the stages of the information profession have shifted from custodian, to reactive, to proactive and finally, to innovative. Ways of thinking need to be changed in order to further knowledge management programmes. Sometimes the simple recognition that there is a knowledge management programme in operation can be a big step forward.
The neglected asset: information management in the UK aerospace industry
Authors: Harrington John , Blagden John
Published: October 2003

Reports key findings of the AIM-UK (Aerospace Information Management-UK) study of the effectiveness of internal research and technology information management systems in theUKaerospace industry and the effectiveness of information seeking and utilization by scientists and engineers working in industry and academia. The main contextual issues included: the relationship between information management and knowledge management; the possible impact of the Freedom of Information Act; collaborative approaches to information resource sharing; the Technology Foresight Programme; the Civil Aircraft Research and Demonstration Programme; the SBAC Competitiveness Challenge; the Lean Aircraft Initiative; the Defence Diversification Agency; and the NASA/DoD Knowledge Diffusion Project. Directors or senior managers, in the 18 companies studied, were interviewed to evaluate how effective aerospace companies managed the information that they had generated and to examine how issues of defence and commercial sensitivities could be reconciled to the wider needs of the UK. Concludes that personal stores of information and discussion with colleagues are still the most frequently used information sources; electronic sources do not dominate either in academia or industry; use of intranets in both academia and industry are at a low level; and Internet use in industry and academia was far lower than expected. The results of the study have produced a strategy for enhancing information management in the UK aerospace sector.
‘Open, Sesame?’ – the problems of digital identity and secure access to information in the Internet era: issues for the information industry
Authors: Eaton Jonathan
Published: October 2003

As personal, commercial and legal transactions are increasingly performed electronically, questions of security and proof of identity appear ever more urgent and problematic. The legislative emphasis of national governments has shifted from data protection to defining how ‘digital signatures’ can be used to certify an individual’s identity in electronic transactions. However the old system of password protection is becoming unwieldy, if only because the average employee must now remember 15 different passwords. Reviews the major issues of digital identity and secure access to networked information, analyses the causes of the current discontinuities in access control methodologies and discusses initiatives originating in both the academic and commercial sectors, together with proposed technology driven solutions that depend on Public-Key Infrastructure (PKI). Examines how the electronic information community’s primary participants might position themselves in relation to the new era of electronic credentials and argues that successful solutions will be those that acknowledge and enact the characteristics of the contractual relationships between electronic information users, mediators and vendors.
Procuring library management systems: perils & pitfalls
Authors: Pedley Paul
Published: October 2003

Describes the process used by the Economist Intelligence Unit when choosing a new library management system (LMS) to replace their existing system which, among other things, was not Year 2000 compliant (Y2K). Points to the fact that choosing a new LMS is not something carried out on a regular basis and so tends to involve new technology and issues and so is not amenable to strategies adopted for earlier projects. Generalizes the strategy so as to be capable of application to a variety of situations. Lists and describes the processes involved, including: justification of the replacement need; the approval process; drawing up a requirements list for particular functions; collecting information from vendors; visiting exhibitions and other organizations; contacting the library’s network of contacts for advice and use discussion groups; consulting the professional literature (periodicals, reports); considering the use of consultants; and checking the availability of appropriate courses. Provides brief information on drawing up contracts and presents a list of LMS suppliers with addresses, telephone and Email numbers and Web sites.
Perhaps a Blessing: Skills and Contributions of Recent Mexican Immigrants in the Rural Midwest
Authors: Baker Phyllis L. , Hotek Douglas R.
Published: October 2003

Using a survey instrument with 23 industrial skill descriptions and asking Mexican immigrants to rate their extent of experience, researchers found that immigrants in Marshalltown, Iowa, have much breadth and some depth of experience in four major industrial skills categories: communications, construction, industrial service, and manufacturing. Moreover, the city of Marshalltown has a labor force shortage, little so-called reactive ethnicity, and has been proactive in accommodation, making it different from traditional receiving communities. In contrast to the bleak portrait of human capital literature, using a contextual analysis of skills composition and the receiving community, researchers conclude that Mexican immigrants in Marshalltown, Iowa, make significant contributions and have the potential to make even more.
Specialty Managed Care in Workers' Compensation
Authors: Paduda Joseph
Published: October 2003

Workers' compensation costs are rapidly rising, driven in large part by annual increases of 15% in medical expenses. Many workers' compensation insurers and third-party administrators have been surprised by the renewed virulence of medical inflation. Although many had adopted managed care approaches, including networks, bill review or audit, case management and precertification, medical savings levels are actually declining. Specialty managed care companies are the next generation of workers' compensation managed care, and they represent an evolution from a broad and general approach to a deep and narrow focus. Specialty managed care companies concentrate on a geographical area and the type of care or provider specialty in which their expertise and focus enables them to deliver outcomes. Old habits, legacy systems and inertia can be difficult obstacles. Savings, which are typically two to three times as great as in generalist firms, must be balanced against implementation and operational challenges.
Equity Compensation Alternatives
Authors: Shah Sam
Published: October 2003

In 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) will, most likely, announce that companies should expense stock options. In this article, an assumption is made that FASB will make this announcement. Between now and then, however, companies have a golden opportunity to reexamine the future of, and alternatives to, their equity distribution instruments. Companies have the choice of altering their existing stock option plans, or they can implement new types of plans to best meet its corporate objectives. For example, a company may choose to modify their existing plans, or a company may elect to adopt new types of plans, such as stock appreciation rights, employee stock purchase plans, restricted stock or performance-based shares. This is an excellent time for companies to reconsider their compensation plans, and just as each business is unique, so are these compensation alternatives. This article provides a snapshot into the controversy and directs companies to consider the available alternatives.
Breastfeeding Education, Treatment, and Referrals by Female Physicians
Authors: Arthur Chris Rodgers , Saenz Rebecca , Replogle William H.
Published: October 2003

The female membership of the Mississippi State Medical Association and female physician employees of the Mississippi State Department of Health were surveyed (N = 350) to examine their practice-related decisions relative to breastfeeding; 215 (61%) responded to the survey. Discussion was commonly used for educating patients, with face-to-face demonstrations used by less than half of respondents. Female physicians with breastfeeding experience were more comfortable than others in treating sore nipples, plugged ducts, infected nipples, and inadequate infant weight gain. There was no difference in the proportion of physicians with and without breastfeeding experience who treated mastitis, low milk supply, and poor latch. The largest percentages of referrals to other providers were in response to infants' poor weight gain and poor latch; the fewest were for nipple infections. Seventy percent of the respondents were not taught lactation management in medical school or residency. Better education for physicians regarding lactation management is needed. J Hum Lact. 19(3):303-309.
Adolescent Mothers and Breastfeeding: Experiences and Support Needs—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Dykes Fiona , Moran Victoria Hall , Burt Sue , Edwards Janet
Published: October 2003

The experiences and support needs of adolescent mothers who commenced breastfeeding were elicited using focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews. The study took place in the North West of England, UK. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic networks analysis. Five themes related to experiences emerged: feeling watched and judged, lacking confidence, tiredness, discomfort, and sharing accountability. A further 5 themes were developed to describe the adolescents' support needs: emotional support, esteem support, instrumental support, informational support, and network support. These forms of support were most effective when provided together in a synergistic way and within a trusting relationship. Key supporters identified were the mother's mother, the partner, and the midwife employed in a teenage pregnancy coordinator role. Health professionals need to further exsplore the ways in which relationships may be developed and sustained that provide the range of support required by adolescent mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 19(4):391-401.
Transmission of Staphylococcus Aureus Between Healthy, Lactating Mothers and their Infants by Breastfeeding
Authors: Kawada Midori , Okuzumi Katsuko , Md Shigemi Hitomi , Rn Chieko Sugishita
Published: October 2003

The authors have investigated Staphylococcus aureus transmission between healthy, lactating mothers without mastitis and their infants by breastfeeding using both bacteriological and molecular-epidemiological methods. They studied 8 healthy, lactating mothers without clinical signs of mastitis and their infants who were less than 3 months old. They collected samples of breast milk, swabs of the mothers' nipples, the infants' nares, and the infants' oral cavities. There was a 50%transmission rate between the pairs. As the result of 12 antibiotics' susceptibility, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was isolated from 2 of the 4 pairs. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, the authors determined chromosomal DNA restriction patterns of the S.aureus isolated from 4 mother-infant pairs. The DNA fragment patterns of the organism within a given mother-infant pair were indistinguishable or closely related. The results suggest that methicillin-resistant S. aureus or methicillin-sensitive S. aureus may be transmitted between healthy, lactating mothers without mastitis and their infants by breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 19(4):411-417.
Attitudes and Subjective Norms of Male and Female Adolescents Toward Breastfeeding
Authors: Goulet Céline , Lampron Annie , Marcil Isabelle , Ross Lise
Published: October 2003

There is a lack of information regarding the attitudes of Québec's adolescents about breast-feeding and how others influence their opinions. The present study aims to describe attitudes and subjective norms of adolescent males and females toward breastfeeding and to determine whether these are related to gender, age, secondary education level, mother tongue, country of origin, feeding method as an infant, feeding method of siblings, and exposure to breastfeeding. Adolescents (N = 439) answered a questionnaire based on the theory of reasoned action.Both genders showed an overall positive attitude but negative subjective norms toward breast-feeding. Gender differences and relationships with external variables in terms of attitudes as well as subjective norms are presented. Possible avenues to promote breastfeeding are discussed. J Hum Lact. 19(4):402-410.
Survey of Nursing and Medical Profile Prior to Deinstitutionalization of a Population with Profound Mental Retardation
Authors: Kozma Chahira , Mason Sue
Published: October 2003

During the planning stages of deinstitutionalization, the importance of nursing services must be recognized and given priority consideration in the community placement of persons with serious developmental disabilities. The objective of this study was to survey the medical and nursing profile of a group of non-ambulatory, institutionalized individuals with profound mental retardation in anticipation of their nursing and medical needs in the community. Data were collected from the Individual Habilitation Plans of 55 individuals who had resided in a residential facility for individuals with mental retardation and were scheduled for community placement. Serious medical problems in decreasing frequency were constipation (96%), seizure disorder (70%), poor dental hygiene (67%), cerebral palsy (62%), scoliosis (61%), contractions (41%), aspiration risk (44%), skin lesions (40%), and dysphagia (22%). Considering the complexity of health issues encountered in this population, adequate nursing and medical planning are critical to the wellness and successful community placement of a population with special needs.