Leading the field: the role of the information professional in the next century

The demystification of information retrieval is largely due to the arrival of the Internet. Increasingly, the end-user community perceives that the web will provide the answer to all information needs. The advent of the Internet has led to a requirement to revisit the traditional role of the information professional and a need to refocus on core competencies. The role of the information professional has evolved. In addition to information retrieval skills, the information professional needs to develop a role as trainer and facilitator of quality information retrieval. Above all, the information specialist must become closely aligned to the business, able to ride the wave of change both in the business and in technology. In the task of role definition, information professionals should look to encompass the following areas within their sphere of responsibility: End-user relationships: maintain an open dialogue with end-users. Anticipate needs and provide creative solutions to information sourcing. Develop a role as an advocate of best practice within the sphere of quality information retrieval. Training: develop a profile as trainer on best practices in Internet searching and core end-user products. Training sessions, email updates on new sources, hints and tips on the use of the Internet should all form part of the trainer function. IT: work closely with the IT Department to implement information supply strategies. Act as intermediary between infernal IT departments and external suppliers to ensure that business requirements are adequately reflected in technical solutions Information management maintain proactive management of the information sources introduced into the organisation, and broker the best deals between the commercial supplier and the internal user: Proactively seek new areas in which the Information Department can play a role, i.e. the maintenance of the firm intranet site, internal document management and competitive intelligence initiatives. Intranet development: develop an intranet site through which contractual commercial Internet services are routed. In addition, provide links to information department 'audited' free web sites. Acquire new skills in web authoring. Leverage traditional skills in data indexing. Industry specialisation: develop subject and industry specialisation reflecting the key business areas of the parent company. Continual professional development: maintain awareness of future trends, and seek to understand how they may impact on the business in general and the information professional in particular.