Purpose: By case studies of the service for regional economic development (SRED) carried out by the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NSLC), this article tries to describe basic directions of special libraries in the SRED.

Design/methodology/approach: By comparing the aims and service forms of the SRED provided by domestic and foreign libraries and information service institutions, the authors examined the basic services provided by special libraries. Through a summary of the SRED exploration carried out by the NSLC, the authors introduce its main content, service methods, products, and service mechanisms. By analyzing the information needs of SRED users and summarizing users' practical experiences of services, the authors propose a design for the SRED framework of the NSLC. In addition, the authors mention key points to be noticed during the process of service implementation, illustrating them with a number of selected SRED cases. The authors suggest that the SRED network and joint service mechanism are effective ways to implement SRED services.

Findings: Based on information resource and expert networks, special libraries like the NSLC can carry out SRED to meet user requirements. The NSLC has not only constructed its own SRED framework, but has also expanded the patron service to the industrial intelligence service area. By setting up a nationwide S&T (science and technology) novelty search network and a literature and information service alliance, the NSLC provides a variety of information training services. This enriches the content of the knowledge service of special libraries and enlarges the library service of the NSLC.

Research limitations: The SRED of Chinese libraries is still in the exploratory stage. Questions as how to scientifically design service content and service modes, and how to establish a sustainable regional service system based on user needs are still being researched and discussed. Furthermore, we need to pay more attention to the construction of the service network and respond more quickly to feedback while creating the SRED.

Practical implications: The SRED experience of the NSLC has shown that special libraries can implement a knowledge service for economic development, and the SRED is an important direction of knowledge services for special libraries.

Originality/value: Through describing a practical SRED, this paper provides a valuable reference for libraries in the transformation process from library service to knowledge service. The experimental SRED of the NSLC has verified the rationality of our service framework in support of regional economic development.

Purpose: By case studies of the service for regional economic development (SRED) carried out by the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NSLC), this article tries to describe basic directions of special libraries in the SRED.

Design/methodology/approach: By comparing the aims and service forms of the SRED provided by domestic and foreign libraries and information service institutions, the authors examined the basic services provided by special libraries. Through a summary of the SRED exploration carried out by the NSLC, the authors introduce its main content, service methods, products, and service mechanisms. By analyzing the information needs of SRED users and summarizing users' practical experiences of services, the authors propose a design for the SRED framework of the NSLC. In addition, the authors mention key points to be noticed during the process of service implementation, illustrating them with a number of selected SRED cases. The authors suggest that the SRED network and joint service mechanism are effective ways to implement SRED services.

Findings: Based on information resource and expert networks, special libraries like the NSLC can carry out SRED to meet user requirements. The NSLC has not only constructed its own SRED framework, but has also expanded the patron service to the industrial intelligence service area. By setting up a nationwide S&T (science and technology) novelty search network and a literature and information service alliance, the NSLC provides a variety of information training services. This enriches the content of the knowledge service of special libraries and enlarges the library service of the NSLC.

Research limitations: The SRED of Chinese libraries is still in the exploratory stage. Questions as how to scientifically design service content and service modes, and how to establish a sustainable regional service system based on user needs are still being researched and discussed. Furthermore, we need to pay more attention to the construction of the service network and respond more quickly to feedback while creating the SRED.

Practical implications: The SRED experience of the NSLC has shown that special libraries can implement a knowledge service for economic development, and the SRED is an important direction of knowledge services for special libraries.

Originality/value: Through describing a practical SRED, this paper provides a valuable reference for libraries in the transformation process from library service to knowledge service. The experimental SRED of the NSLC has verified the rationality of our service framework in support of regional economic development.