Information managers, officers and assistants

Information managers, officers and assistants perform very similar tasks to their library counterparts, but usually do this outside of a traditional library setting. These jobs are mostly in the commercial and private sector and involve handling internally generated or company information, managing an internal databases and access to external databases such as WestLaw or LexisNexus.

These roles have traditionally involved handling enquiries from other staff, answering questions, providing briefings and providing access to resources. Increasingly, information managers are now expected to offer training to other staff on how to use resources to find their own answers and store the information for later use.

At the information manager level, you may find you’re responsible for negotiating with external database vendors too.

Qualifications and experience

Information assistant is usually the entry-level role for anyone who wants to work in information management, graduate trainee positions are available at this level and an employer would usually expect you to work towards some kind of accredited postgraduate qualification or CILIP certification during or after your traineeship.

If you’ve already got a postgraduate qualification or some experience in the sector, working as an information officer is the next step up.

Relevant Special Interest Groups

Knowledge & Information Management Group

UK Electronic Information Group