ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. It deals with users of and the market for scientific and technical information (STI). The part presents several useful ideas for including the user in all phases of the information production and dissemination processes. It also deals with the firm as a user of STI. The part attempts to define and to structure the motivations and processes by which firms use information to help them in facing an uncertain future. It aims to develop a model of STI consumer behavior, in terms that are related to models of consumer behavior developed in other contexts. The objective of the model is to enhance understanding of STI user motivations and processes. The part provides a discussion on some unresolved issues in the market segmentation area that may affect the application of these ideas in the STI context.
