Abstract
The dramatic process of economic restructuring towards a free market economy in the new states of the Federal Republic of Germany is also affecting information resource units (IRUs). The IRUs clearly show signs of the decline of the economy, but also of a new beginning. A survey of IRUs in the new states was conducted in June 1991. The main data sought in a seven-page questionnaire were: struc tural data; problem areas; success factors, and costing meth ods. The questions canvassed distinguishing structural charac teristics such as organisational form/profit orientation; num ber of staff; range of services provided; and budget and turnover. The observed transition process in Eastern German IRUs can also be looked upon as a model with implications for the economic restructuring process in Eastern Europe as a whole. Thus it provides not only empirical data, but also a framework for the necessary action required to support suc cessful transition.
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