Doing the business

Abstract

Describes how Birmingham Public Libraries reversed the decline in its business information services by developing new products, services and partnerships under the Birmingham Business Insight brand. Describes the adoption of new business models, including working with partners and developing an internal market within the council. Explains how it repackaged its services, whether free to local communities or charged out elsewhere. Describes its strategy of migrating rebranded services to the web, and profiles some successful initiatives. Explains how its services can be outsourced to other public business information providers. Cites increases in usage and revenue to demonstrate the success of its permanent evolution strategy, and emphasizes the need to continue pursuing change geared to customer needs.