Pilot study of the value of secondary information: discussions from the viewpoints of information providers and users

In this paper the value of secondary information services is discussed from the viewpoints of service‐providers and a small group of scientists as users of current awareness services. A selection of earlier studies on the subject is briefly reviewed. The exchange value of secondary information services is demonstrated from the viewpoint of a service‐provider. Users usually see the services in the light of their value‐in‐use though the services often have exchange values as well. In conclusions the problem of assessing the value of secondary information is discussed.