The 1992 Steven I. Goldspiel Memorial Research Grant was awarded to Dr. Jose-Marie Griffiths, Professor, School of Information Sciences, University of Michigan and Donald W.

King, a widely regarded statistical consultant. King and Griffiths based their research on data derived from 27 independent studies performed with 16 companies, 7 government agencies, and 4 national surveys of professionals (collectively more than 10,000 statistical survey responses from fields including science, engineering, law, management, administration and marketing.) Based upon analyses of these 10,000 questionnaires dealing with special library use as well as more than 500 observations of library staff productivity, the authors concluded that professionals who use information extensively and effectively are more successful than

those who do not. Increased productivity and improved quality are among the benefits gained. The advantage achieved through the effective use of information is what the authors refer to as the "information edge." Their research study of the productivity, usefulness and value of special libraries has been published by the Special Libraries Association as Special Libraries: Increasing the Information Edge.

The book begins with an analysis of how information gathered by a librarian is dispersed through communication. Professionals spend 56% of their time communicating; the study describes how, for certain communication activities, libraries can provide the best information while minimizing cost and time commitment. Moreover, the authors analyze information itself. The temporal and monetary costs of acquiring information are quantified to demonstrate the value and usefulness of the information gathered. Finally, the study outlines the benefits of increased productivity, improved work quality, and efficient time management, each brought about by the information edge gained from using organization libraries within a professional setting.