Information scientists make sure that high-quality and up-to-date information is easily available to colleagues and clients. They research information and develop systems to organise and distribute electronic and paper-based information sources.

The work can include:

• cataloguing, classifying and storing information
• researching and acquiring new resources
• making sure information is up-to-date and comprehensive
• dealing with research enquiries from colleagues, managers or clients
• managing electronic information, for instance developing intranets or designing user-friendly search engines
• managing the information budget
• writing reports, briefings and website content
• training colleagues how to use the systems
• managing information assistants.

Information scientists use similar skills to librarians. They may also be known as information managers, information officers or knowledge managers, depending on the type of organisation they work for.

Hours and Environment

As an information scientist you will usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may work 9am to 5pm, flexitime or shifts that include evenings, depending on your employer. Part-time work may be available.

You will usually be office-based will spend a lot of your time working at a computer. You may occasionally travel to meetings.

Skills and Interests

To be an information scientist you need:

• excellent organisational skills
• good spoken and written communication skills
• a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• a logical and methodical approach
• problem solving ability
• good research skills
• good computer skills, especially in using databases and the internet
• the ability to work with people
• an awareness of what information users need.

Entry

To become an information scientist you will usually need to be a graduate. You will need either:

• an information management or librarianship degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), or
• a degree in any subject, plus a postgraduate qualification accredited by CILIP.

Several universities offer accredited degrees in information management or information and library studies (course titles may vary). Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If your degree is not in librarianship or information management, you can take a CILIP-accredited postgraduate qualification in information management. Postgraduate courses may be offered one year full-time, two or three years part-time, or by distance learning.

Before starting a postgraduate course, you are usually expected to get up to a year’s experience in a library or information services setting. You could do this through voluntary work or a graduate traineeship.

See CILIP’s website for a list of accredited courses and details of graduate training opportunities.

You could also start as an information or library assistant (with or without a degree), and work your way up to an information management position. It may help your career to gain NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Information and Library Services. See the Library Assistant profile for more details about getting in at this level.

Training

As an information scientist or an information science student, you can apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Library and information Professionals (CILIP). There are five levels of membership, depending on your experience and qualifications.

Most information scientists aim for chartered membership of CILIP, and many employers expect chartered status. For this you will usually need one or two years’ work experience as well as a CILIP-accredited qualification. See CILIP’s website for full details.

CILIP and the Association for Information Management (ASLIB) both offer various short courses for professional development – see their websites for details.

With experience, you could choose to study for a Masters degree designed for mid-career professionals. These are often available part-time or through distance learning.

Opportunities

As an information scientist you could work in all kinds of organisation, including:

• industrial, scientific and manufacturing companies
• commercial companies
• professional practices such as architects, law or accountancy firms
• universities and research institutions
• trade unions, charities and other not-for-profit organisations
• government departments and agencies
• local authorities.

Jobs may be advertised in the local and national press, in specialist magazines, and on the CILIP and ASLIB websites.

Information departments are often small, so you may have a high level of responsibility early in your career but you may need to change employers to progress. There may be more opportunities for promotion in larger companies and in the public sector.

With experience you could also choose to become a self-employed information systems consultant.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries may be higher in commercial companies.

Newly-qualified information scientists may start on £18,000 to £22,000 a year.
Information scientists or managers with chartered status usually earn £22,000 to £28,000 a year.
Senior managers can earn £30,000 to £60,000 a year.

Further information

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London
EC2A 4PS
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London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org