Business information developments: the Russian experience 1989-1997

Abstract

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.

Libraries and open society; Popper, Soros and digital information

“…National, academic and special libraries will all have a role to play, as may commercially funded services (see the remarks by Roberts below). An example of this is the variety of business information services and providers which have emerged as the countries of the former Soviet Bloc adapted to more open market conditions; Konn [24] describes this for the case of Russia.…”