Information scientists organise, manage and develop information systems, which are used to store, analyse and retrieve data for clients. They work primarily with electronic resources and ICT systems, and increasingly less with paper-based ones, to source and research the information that is required. They also develop new systems such as databases and are often involved in the creation of web content.
Information scientists have a key role in many types of organisations and handle all types of information including scientific, technical, legal, commercial, financial and economic. Their role may cover one particular information function or the management of a complete system.
The roles of librarian and information manager/officer/scientist are almost indistinguishable, other than the context in which they practise. In addition, the term 'information specialist' is becoming more widely used to describe the work of an information scientist. All are concerned with managing information in order to make it easily accessible to members of a particular group or organisation.
As an information scientist, you will provide an information function to a particular organisation. This depends on the nature of the organisation or company.
Work activities can vary a great deal but include all or some of the following:
Unless your first degree is related to information science, most employers will require a postgraduate qualification in information management accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) (http://www.cilip.org.uk) . A list of accredited institutions can be found on the CILIP website.
Full-time postgraduate courses take a year, but it is possible to study part time over two to three years. Robert Gordon University, the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and Northumbria University also offer distance learning options. Successful completion of a CILIP-accredited course will enable you to register for chartership and apply for professional posts within the UK. The qualification is also recognised by the American Library Association (http://www.ala.org) and the Australian Library and Information Association (http://www.alia.org.au) .
Entry without a degree or HND is not possible.
You will normally be expected to have a minimum one year’s work experience before starting a full-time course. The CILIP Graduate Training Opportunities (http://www.cilip.org.uk/qualificationschartership/GraduateTrainingOpportunities) scheme (published every October) provides a range of opportunities for graduates to undertake an approved pre-course traineeship and is well-regarded by university courses. Having relevant work experience will also be useful when applying for funding. Traineeships are carried out in member organisations of the SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) (http://www.sconul.ac.uk) .
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Information work is largely computer based, so IT literacy is essential along with an expertise on databases and the ability to search for and retrieve information effectively online. Although professional training usually covers this, those without IT skills will be at a disadvantage. Qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are recognised as demonstrating competence in a wide range of IT skills.
Competition for postgraduate courses and pre-course experience is fierce so begin looking early in your final year. Geographical mobility can be an advantage.
Funding for postgraduate courses is available through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) (http://www.ahrc.ac.uk) under the Postgraduate Professional and Vocational Awards Scheme, but competition for funding is fierce.
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market and how to handle discrimination, see Handling Discrimination (http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination).
For more information, see work experience (www.prospects.ac.uk/workexperience) and find courses and research (www.prospects.ac.uk/pg).
Training in specialist databases, IT systems and resources that will be used in the workplace is usually done on the job.
Once in post, you can begin the process of obtaining chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) (http://www.cilip.org.uk) . There is more than one pathway to chartership, but it is usually necessary to have a CILIP-accredited first degree or postgraduate degree in information science/management and one or two years' approved experience in information work.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is important in a fast-changing profession. Short courses, workshops, seminars and conferences are plentiful and are supplied by professional associations such as CILIP and its affiliated interest groups as well as commercial trainers. These courses cover a wide range of information science related areas including:
Masters degrees are available for experienced information professionals and can be studied full time, part time or by distance learning. Most universities offering library and information management courses offer research degrees.
Information science professionals can gain a great deal of experience while working in post but often need to change jobs in order to progress. This means that you will have to consider changing both employer and location in order to gain promotion and further your career. Progress also depends on your particular area of specialised skills and knowledge. Those working for larger organisations and in the public sector may have more opportunity for career progression with the same employer than those working in smaller or more specialist information units.
Competition for jobs at all levels is high, so perseverance and dedication are required to find a job and gain promotion. Career progression is often achieved by moving into managerial positions, which provide greater management responsibilities and broader job interests.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is valued and is also necessary due to the continually changing nature of the profession. Keeping in contact with professional bodies, such as the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) (http://www.cilip.org.uk) , and taking up training and networking opportunities will benefit your career development.
Due to the broad scope of the information science field, employers cover a wide variety of sectors.
The nature of the work depends on the needs of a particular organisation. An information science professional's choice of employer will depend on their interests, particular areas of specialised knowledge and skills. Typical employers can include:
Information science professionals may also work on a self-employed basis or run their own company providing information consultancy, training and expertise to particular organisations.
Search graduate jobs (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobvacs).
There are a number of specialist library and information recruitment agencies including: Sue Hill Recruitment (http://www.suehill.com) , Infomatch, the CILIP Recruitment Agency (http://www.cilip.org.uk/jobscareers/infomatch/) , TFPL (http://www.tfpl.com) , Glen Recruitment (http://www.glenrecruitment.co.uk) and ASLIB Professional Recruitment (http://www.aslib.co.uk/recruitment/index.htm) .
See also job hunting tips (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobhunt) and applications, CVs and interviews (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/appsinterviews).
The following Graduate Prospects and AGCAS products should be available in your university careers service. If you would like to purchase your own copy go to order publications to find out more.
The following Case studies are also available on prospects.ac.uk:
© Content copyright of or licensed to AGCAS (www.agcas.org.uk)
Written by Heather Samuel, AGCAS, November 2008.
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