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The last two decades have seen an explosion of publishing by, about and for women. This list is designed to make a particular contribution to this continuing process by commissioning and publishing books which consolidate and advance feminist research and debate in key areas in a form suitable for students, academics and researchers but also accessible to a broader general readership. As far as possible, the books adopt an international perspective, incorporating comparative material from a range of countries where this is illuminating. Above all, they are interdisciplinary, aiming to put women's studies and feminist discussion firmly on the agenda in subject areas as disparate as law, literature, art and social policy.

Emerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services. Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.

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PurposeThe research reported here aims to explore the problems facing individuals searching for information about available options in choosing care services.Design/methodology/approachIt presents data drawn from an on‐line survey, follow‐up telephone calls and a focus group, which reveals the preferences people have in searching for information about care services and the difficulties encountered.FindingsIt finds that people need information but find it complicated, unwieldy and inaccessible. In addition to using on‐line sources, they value person‐to‐person contact and information tailored to meet their specific needs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is original in raising issues and presenting findings that open up the topic of information in care decision‐making. While it relies on a self‐reporting survey and the direct participation of a small number of subjects, future research based on random sampling and a larger sample of subjects would enable these findings to be tested more thoroughly.Practical implicationsHigh quality, accurate information is an essential element in enabling individuals to make appropriate choices about the care they seek for themselves or their loved ones. Service providers, councils and commercial undertakings each have a part to play in facilitating that choice.Social implicationsThis research highlights issues that confront both information searcher and provider, making recommendations about overcoming them. The concept of individual choice is a cornerstone of social policy but findings reveal the complexity facing individuals, providers and practitioners in making this a reality.Originality/valueThe importance of information in making decisions about care is under‐researched; this study raises issues and presents findings which open the topic for further exploration.