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This study is a snapshot of the information inputs into decisions considered by a small sample of “decision makers” at the beginning of 1996. Each respondent was asked to focus on one decision only and there were no follow‐up interviews to investigate why particular routes to obtain information were taken. Within these limitations the study did highlight the fundamental role of information within the government departments studied, and the diversity of information‐seeking behaviour in a sector where decision making is a consultative process, where the decisions themselves can be extremely complex and take account of many influences, and where the decision makers tend to be experienced information users.

The insurance sector is currently in a state of some uncertainty and companies are increasingly conscious of the need to maintain a competitive edge over their commercial rivals while at the same time getting maximum benefits from in‐house resources. As part of this review of resources, the information and library function within many insurance companies is under scrutiny. Reports on a study undertaken to determine the impact of information on corporate decision making within the insurance industry; to explore the value that decision makers placed on the information and services provided by both the in‐house facility and external sources in maintaining a competitive edge in the market place; and to examine the effectiveness and applicability in the insurance sector of the methodology used by Joanne Marshall in her studies of the impact of information in Canadian banks. This involved taking a “snapshot” of the information inputs into decisions made by a sample of decision makers during a six‐month period with each respondent being asked to focus on one decision only.

Discusses Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966. Notes that local authorities appear slow to make use of this subsidy or Ethnic Minority Grant in librarianship. Considers the 1988 Government review which recommended a project approach to applications and set out criteria covering areas of work which would qualify for funding. Concludes that the way ahead is to absorb all Section 11 posts and fund them mainstream, thus showing commitment to equality of service provision and opportunity.