DOCUMENTATION NOTE: SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (SDI): RELATIONSHIP TO PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CORPORATE R&D ENVIRONMENT

Selective dissemination of information (SDI) is an information alerting service designed to keep individuals informed of new developments in their particular fields of interest. This investigation evaluated the use of SDI by basic research scientists working in a corporate environment. The following conceptual areas were considered in developing the best model of SDI use and productivity: 1, background of the individual; 2, work environment; 3, need to keep abreast of new research developments; 4, use of information sources; and 5, product‐ivity or number of papers published. One hundred and fifty‐six scientists met the entrance criteria and were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multivariate models revealed several interesting patterns. Frequency of SDI use was found to be related to the work environment, need to keep abreast of new research developments, and use of primary and secondary information sources, including patents. Productivity was found to be related to background characteristics of the scientist, the work environment, need to keep abreast of new research developments and the use of a variety of information sources. Based on these research findings, scientists who use SDI on a regular basis appear to be more productive than their colleagues who are infrequent users, or who do not subscribe to the service.