Introduction

Special libraries have been around since the nineteenth century. Two movements are at the root of their formation. First was the decision by management to conduct research on the subjects necessary for their organization’s success. Rather than depend on an outside organization for data on government statistics, the enterprise would manage its own information developed by the work of its employees. In addition to data developed in-house, reports and other materials of interest would be organized and centralized for use by the staff.

A second, equally important trend was the hiring of professionals and subject specialists with advanced degrees. This brought with it the concomitant need to keep these staff members up-to-date with the latest research and products in their specializations. As the whole enterprise grew, so did the supply of information resources necessary for the daily work of its employees.