Regional variations in the demand and supply of business information: A study of manufacturing firms

This paper is based upon work carried out on behalf of British Library Research and Development Department into the information practices and behaviour of manufacturing firms. Interviews with manufacturing firms (59), public librarians (7) and other information suppliers were carried out during the period May–October 1985 in Greater Manchester, Cleveland and Lincolnshire. Use of various sources of external information and types of information demanded are investigated. The significance of information acquisition failure and the influence of distance upon use of information sources are explored. Internal organizational practices are described.