Better out than in?

Abstract

Summarizes the commonly cited benefits and risks of outsourcing research and information services. Presents some findings of a small-scale research project into perceptions of outsourcing in the business information sector, surveying members of the UK business information community who have experience of establishing relationships with external partners, as well as representatives from three outsourced information service providers. Sets out to establish whether research and information service delivery can be improved through the use of a third party, and to identify strategies which heighten the likelihood of this being achieved. Also considers how the adoption of outsourcing strategies impacts the career roles of business information professionals.