Technical Information for California Business and Industry; A Report to the California State Librarian

Abstract

This examination of library services to business, commerce and industry in California was based on conferences with State Library personnel, discussions with librarians from five major resource libraries, and a study of library resources and needs in nine California cities which included visits to the public libraries and interviews with public and special librarians and patrons from business and industry. The report covers: (1) information needs of business and industry, (2) selection and reference aids in business, technology and science, (3) characteristics and problems of service, (4) foreign language materials, (5) present public, academic and special resources, (6) excerpts and summaries from relevant literature, and (7) conclusions and recommendations for a statewide technical information network. It was found that publicly supported libraries cannot adequately meet the technical information needs of California business and industry which are not served elsewhere. Recommendations for a statewide technical information network suggest three levels of service: local service-contact libraries, subject centers, and research centers which would involve contractual arrangements with major academic libraries. The California State Library should be responsible for coordinating, developing and studying services for the entire network as well as serving as a major special resource center. A bibliography of 32 items is appended. (JB)