Abstract
The TUL serves as an information centre, but is in fact a network node which is part of a shared pool. In spite of the decentralization of bibliographic data files the file‐managing documentation centre is still important in maintaining the efficient utilization of available resources. Changes in the management of Scientific and Technical Information Systems and Services may be counter‐productive if policy and planning move away from the broad view; e.g. cost‐effectiveness in the narrow sense cannot always be the condition for financial support. Professional ethics, especially in the distribution of responsibilities for selection and the use of available information, should receive more attention. Vital issues are research on needs for new services and education of both user and custodian in the exploitation of available information resources. This involves an active appreciation of the ethical content, its meaning and implications for professional conduct.