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Information officers/managers, also commonly referred to as knowledge and information scientists, are tasked with making quality and up-to-date information easily accessible to work colleagues, clients and members of the public. Depending on your working environment, you’re likely to be responsible for a whole host of different information formats, including both online and paper-based records, reports and data.
Key to this job is developing effective systems to organise and distribute information. If you enjoy working with words and getting the creative juices flowing, information management is both lively and challenging. Your principal aim will be to engage end users and maximise the use of resources
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Key responsibilities
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- Evaluating cataloguing, classifying and storing information
- Researching and acquiring new resources
- Making sure that information is appropriate and up to date
- Handling research enquiries from colleagues, managers or clients
- Predicting possible demands for information
- Managing electronic information, for instance, developing intranets and wikis
- Checking that information systems are accessible and user-friendly, but equally meet stringent data protection laws
- Writing and editing resource content
- Managing an information budget and teams of information assistants
- colleagues how to use and update information systems
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Starting salary
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Usually ranging from £18,000 to £22,000 a year
With experience and appropriate professional qualifications, this could rise to £30,000 or more.
Senior information managers with strategic responsibilities could earn up to £60,000
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Entry requirements
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For direct entry into an information officer or managers’; position, an accredited degree in information science/management or librarianship is usually required.
It may be possible to work up from an assistant/junior post and undertake postgraduate qualifications, as these qualifications usually require at least a years’; work experience in a library or information services setting.
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Essential skills
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Employers in this field look for motivated people with excellent organisational and team player skills. They want articulate and flexible people that possess good written and spoken communication skills. The ability to solve problems and offer solutions is also high on their list. Any prior experience of using and maintaining databases and electronic communications is a big plus, so keep examples of previous work to present as a portfolio
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Professional qualifications
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- NVQ Level 2 in Information and Library Services
- NVQ Level 3 in Information and Library Services
A Degree and postgraduate qualification in library or information studies, accredited by CILIP. Courses are available on a full-time and part-time basis, and by distance learning for those with experience of working as information assistants. CILIP publishes a list of these courses on its website:
There is no mandatory funding for degree and postgraduates courses. Universities may offer grants or bursaries to prospective students. A limited number of financial awards may be available from the Arts and Humanities Research Council for those pursuing postgraduate courses in librarianship and information studies. With limited places, early application is advised.
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Apprenticeships
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N/A
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Promotional prospects
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- Information Manager
- Records & Information Manager
- Librarian
- Self-employed/consultancy work
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