Information Scientist

Also known as:

Library and Information Scientist
Information Specialist
Knowledge Manager

Introduction

Information scientists deal with information storage and retrieval. They may also produce information systems and conduct research work into areas such as how information is generated, stored and used. A great deal of their work is computer-based.

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Work Activities

Information scientists deal with information storage and retrieval. They need to store information, find particular information requested by their employer or a client and distribute the information to the employer or client in a way that is easy to understand. Sources of information include databases, CD-ROMS, the internet, audio-visual materials, books, journals, magazines and a wide variety of other documentation.

They may produce information systems, or carry out research work. They may research how information is generated, stored and used. A great deal of research is computer-based and some of it deals with highly specialist areas such as computer-indexing or storing chemical formulae.

The work of an information scientist shares features with that of a librarian. Graduates from both information science and librarianship fill information posts. However, information scientists tend to work in smaller units handling specialist information. Also, they usually deal more with researching and disseminating information than with its storage.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

It is helpful to have good general knowledge, but it may also be helpful or necessary to be familiar with a particular scientific, technical, legal, commercial or other specialist field. Therefore, you need to keep up to date with research in that field as well as in developments in information science.

You should have a logical and retentive mind, and be able to demonstrate initiative when handling enquiries. The ability to scan large amounts of material and extract the relevant information is important. It is equally important to be accurate and attentive to detail, and to summarise and present complex information.

You must be able to communicate at many levels - with your clients, colleagues and superiors. In dealing with clients, it is important not only to understand their information needs, but to be accessible, approachable and efficient.

Information scientists must have excellent IT skills.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for information scientists vary depending on the sector they work in, the employer, and the level of responsibility. Salaries are similar to those of librarians.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Information scientists earn in the range of £18,000 - £22,000 a year, rising to £26,000 - £45,000 a year. Salaries of £50,000 - £70,000 a year are possible for senior posts in some sectors, eg, law and government departments.

Information scientists usually work 35-hours Monday to Friday. However, where offices are open longer, you may need to work evenings and weekends.

Information scientists work for a wide range of employers throughout the UK and abroad, in commerce, industry, science and technology, electronic publishing, finance, law and education.

Opportunities are increasing.

After gaining work experience, some information scientists become self-employed. Several recruitment agencies offer short-term contracts.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and experience gained in libraries, management or information technology. Some vacancies require specialist knowledge from a relevant degree, for example, in medicine, science or law.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who haven't followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree and HND courses.

Distance learning courses are available from ASLIB, the Association for Information Management.

A limited number of interest-free loans are available from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Several recruitment agencies offer short-term contracts working in this field. Freelance and consulting work is normally possible only after substantial work experience.

• 29% of people in occupations such as information scientist, work part-time.
• 14% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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