Research lies at the heart of the knowledge economy. Both basic and applied research are fundamental to social and economic development. And research itself depends on good flows of information to researchers. It may seem that researchers have access to more and better information than at any time in history. And in one sense this is true. But it is also the case that the sheer quantity of information which is available creates its own problems. The generators and users of information sometimes have very different perspectives on the issues, with a lack of shared understanding of what researchers need and what information providers can offer. Throughout the developed world, organizations and systems are being established to try to overcome some of these perceived difficulties. In this unique collection of chapters, contributors from many different disciplines, and with very different perspectives - both researcher and providers - explore the issues around the provision of information for researchers. Key areas covered are: why researchers need information and how they acquire it; information resources for researchers, including the development of generic and discipline-based networks; and, information needs and provision in individual disciplines, including biosciences, physics and astronomy, law, archeology, and humanities. This authoritative book will not only be essential reading for all information professionals in research institutions, and but will also be of great value to members of the research communities themselves.
