Some 52 university and 30 polytechnic librarians were questioned about forms of continuing education and training in their libraries. Induction and further education issues were explored, as well as attitudes to the idea of continuing education. The survey took place between November 1987 and January 1988. A response rate of 87 per cent was achieved. Marked differences in practices were revealed between polytechnic and university libraries. Responses indicated a growing interest in continuing education, often influenced by factors outside the direct control of librarians.

Attitudes towards continuing education of members of staff in seven university and polytechnic libraries in England are explored on the basis of structured interviews. The survey, carried out during the period June to August 1983, revealed significant differences of attitude, according to level of management, towards responsibility for, and methods of, continuing education. In the majority of cases attitudinal distinctions were associated with failures of communication.

The relative freedom introduced into Russian markets following the transition from the Soviet Union created strong demands for types of business information previously unavailable and unwanted. Reviews the dramatic changes, between 1989 and 1997, in three related and interacting business information sectors: the external business information sector (based outside Russia with especially strong representation in the UK, USA and Germany; the English language business information sector, maintained by Russian agencies and providing services and products aimed at external business information markets; and the internal Russian language business information sector. The English language business information sector includes companies and contacts, financial information, comment and analysis, legal aspects and outreach. The internal business information sector is characterized by the adoption of electronic formats for information dissemination: online services; electronic mail; Internet; CD-ROMs; and diskettes. The current situation reflects a variable acceptance of Western models of supply and likely demand. A key problem is the search for new roles for existing institutions and the creation of new institutions to meet business information requirements. Concludes with a select list of printed periodical and World Wide Web sources of Russian business information.

The effect of glasnost on the availability of business information is discussed with particular reference to online services, including general information sources, specialized business services, industry‐specific and new services, and future developments in the area. The currently volatile business information sector has opportunities for development as well as its own share of problems.

No abstract