VALUE-ADDED INFORMATION SERVICES '

Value-added' is a term now widely and increasingly used in the context of information systems and services. It is however a highly nebulous term with several different connotations. Nevertheless, the processes, functions, attributes and components of information services which are denoted as 'value-added', are highly important for making the ' services highly useful to the users.  

It may be mentioned that the 'value-added' terminology has been in use to describe information service operations, since 1980. It appears that the term has been borrowed from accountancy. Cronin and Gudim (1986) made an interesting comment on the specific nature of value added processes within information services: "...there is no inherent value in a quantum of information, but that information has potential worth. Value-added processes are those which can signal the potential or can relate the potential to the needs of a specific environment." 

In general, most descriptions of 'value-added' information services do roughly follow this approach in trying to relate value-added directly to user need. Generally, there seems to be an acceptance that value-added services are those which are somewhat different from the run-of-the-mill routine offerings; and that there is something special about them.