The biblio‐profile—a two‐in‐one package of information: Its preparation, production, marketing, uses

Abstract

This paper describes the Biblio‐Profile, which is a brief state‐of‐the‐art report on a specific topic followed by a comprehensive bibliography. The Biblio‐Profile was devised as a combination package to meet varying information needs. The profile part of the package provides a brief introduction to a field, a brief assessment of the state of research on a specific topic, and an indication where gaps in knowledge exist; the comprehensive bibliography may contain both current and older, classic citations. An information package of this type has other features as well. For example, with small modification, the profile can be recorded on audio‐tape for use in a dial‐access information system where message length is brief. The companion bibliography can be mailed to any‐one who requests this supplementary information. Biblio‐Profiles also have the added advantage of being separates so that they can be published quickly; they do not require page charges; and they provide recognition for authors. However, they require marketing and promotion since no encompassing medium, such as a journal, carries them. Publication of Biblio‐Profiles in a journal is, however, certainly possible. The preparation, production, marketing and potential uses of this multi‐purpose document are described in this article. The Information Center's experience in user acceptance and sales of this kind of document is discussed and compared with the Center's bibliographies.