KNOWLEDGE FROM THE DIGITAL PLUG - COMMENTS ON THE DATABASE WORLD IN THE SOCIAL-SCIENCES AND THE INTERNET

The purpose of this paper is to ask the question, wether it is worth while for social scientists (or story tellers) to use electronically available information services (see chapter 3.2 for online databases and 4 for the discussion about the ''net''). Our main aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available sources. Questions with regard to the user requirements and problems in using available sources, will be touched upon. The situation in German speaking countries concerning research data on these topics is however insufficient. In addition we look at media trends, current developments in the electronic information world (the net) and their implications for professional communication. The professionals, in concrete social scientists, are strongly advised not to shut him - or herself off from these developments, but rather to be more active as has been the case till now in using these new sources of information.