Information Services and Use

This presentation reviews the extremely rapid developments in information technology and use over the last few decades, with observations on data-transfer restrictions and the problem of copyright. In this context, the author introduces and discusses the currently controversial questions of information re-use and re-packaging, along with the matters of government/commercial sector participation, usage-fees, and software-development. The A-C-C-E-S-S^TM and OMNILINK^TM software packages for microcomputers are described. There is discussion of abstracting/indexing services and of their relations with primary publishers, in historical perspective. The author stresses the necessity for caution and careful deliberation in choosing a computer-based system for purchase. The presentation closes with a recounting of some factors that will influence the re-use and re-packaging of information in the future, an expansion on the concept of the ‘information warehouse’, and a description of some of the operating procedures followed by Information Intelligence for its information-retrieval services.

It is the idea of large-scale ‘downloading’ that has begun to worry the vendors of on-line bibliographic information, who perceive in this sort of activity a considerable economic threat to their own positions. In order to ascertain what is the likelihood, on basis of available and imminent technology, that such a detrimental situation will in fact materialize, one might look more closely at the following four aspects: communications, storage, manipulation, output. For several reasons, here outlined, the first of these factors may offer the on-line vendors some consolation, since they are capable of controlling the speed at which, and the extent to which, data can flow from their computers to the user. The storage-capacity now available to a potential ‘pirate’, nevertheless, is significant, even on a microcomputer-system. Optical disk technology is not yet a determinant here, but videodisks are a medium which could lead to an undermining of the vendor's position in the information-provision chain. For data-manipulation, microcomputers certainly have sufficient hardware-power. Presently, software is the problem, but this circumstance may change in the future. The chance that any information pirate would be able, either presently or in the foreseeable future, to make a viable commercial proposition of peddling stolen data-collections (whether or not on a re-packaged, value-added basis) is quite small. However, the potential for re-use in an internal context must be viewed as considerable, and here users stand to reap extensive benefits. The author gives two examples of ‘symbiotic’ information-retrieval/downloading applications, and concludes with the observation that such activity will most likely encourage more – rather than less – use of on-line services, and thus work to the benefit of the vendors. Producers, vendors, and users must be prepared to adapt to the changing times, if they are to prosper in the new environment. Attached to this paper is an appendix which lists certain new microcomputer peripherals and software, with specifications of cost, capacity, and supplier.

The author assumes that the time has arrived when conflicts, in economic terms, among the three principal participants in the online information area must be considered inevitable. At this point, the database producers, the vendors, and the end-users must attempt to identify a compromise solution under which all parties will be able to carry out effectively their respective functions, and in some measure to safeguard their positions. The present paper deals at some length with the historically conditioned perspectives and practical approaches of the three parties here involved. After a review of the background to the current situation, the author discusses first the pricing strategies of the producers, and the various factors which have contributed to determining these strategies. There follow then a consideration of the pricing and marketing approaches adopted by vendors, and an examination of the ‘buying strategies’ exercised by users. Users' perceptions are in part, one must recognize, influenced by the advanced technology (e.g. for telecommunication, data-capturing) now available. Cost-factors for the various components of online information provision, revenue-sources among these components, and a combination of the two aspects are presented in schematic form, in order to make clear how it is that a basis for conflict exists. Moreover, we may note that the demarcations between the traditional roles of the three parties are breaking down – a process which leads to economic uncertainty and an atmosphere of disharmony.

This paper discusses the particular abilities, attitudes and funt:tions of the professional librarian/information specialist, as well as the user's expectations in regard to online information retrieval. The author looks at the increasing penetration of the computer in the library context, and at the possibilities presented by the technologies which allow downloading. The potential significance and value, for librarians and users, of information re-use/re-packaging are emphasized. Re-packaging enhances library effectiveness within an organization, and brings with it the benefits of increased flexibility. The vendors have little to fear from librarians, as the latter are in general not interested in any commercial exploitation of re-packaged data. A plea is made for enlightened cooperation – which will work to the benefit of both users and online suppliers of information. An appendix summarizes, in tabular form, the ramifications and opportunities of internal ‘pre-use’, re-packaging and re-use.