Information search patterns of business communities: A comparison between small and medium-sized businesses

Abstract

To identify the information search patterns of business communities, two surveys were conducted, one aimed at small businesses and the other at medium-sized businesses. Use of different information sources, especially the public library, for business purposes were examined. Results show that businesses obtain information more through informal sources than formal ones. The customer is the most important business information source. Although less than 50 percent of the businesses surveyed reported using public libraries for business purposes in the previous year, the majority of those who did use the library sought help from library staff. Public libraries are more important for small businesses, especially those in their early stages of development, than for medium-sized businesses.

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