Information officer : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in library and information management or information science may improve your chances. However, in posts where specific subject knowledge is useful, some employers prefer a degree in that subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in library studies/information management. This is most frequently the case for information services provided in scientific or technical contexts. Posts also exist where a humanities, social sciences or arts degree might be especially useful.

Most employers require a degree or specialist postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) . It is difficult to progress without relevant qualifications. A vocational postgraduate qualification at Diploma or MA/MSc level is highly desirable, unless your first degree is in information or library management. As well as full-time study, it is also possible to take postgraduate courses on a part-time basis or by distance learning.

CILIP publishes details of accredited courses on its website. Some financial help may be available for postgraduate information and library management courses from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) , but competition is keen, so apply early. See the CILIP website for more information on possible sources of financial assistance.

Postgraduate library/information management courses may require some pre-entry work experience, typically of at least one year. Many employers offer fixed-term appointments for one year, which are designed to provide relevant pre-entry experience. See CILIP Graduate Training Opportunities for further details. Some specialist recruitment agencies also offer vacancies for these posts.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• IT skills, above and beyond the usual familiarity with packages, in order to create and search databases, design for the web, manage the content of internets and intranets, etc;
• research skills;
• the ability to work accurately and pay attention to detail;
• flexibility (in order to undertake a variety of tasks ranging from managing a unit by yourself to opening the post or unpacking boxes);
• organisation and time management skills (to organise resources as well as your own time and, as you progress professionally, the time of others);
• initiative and a creative approach to problem-solving;
• customer service skills;
• confidence and assertiveness;
• teamworking and networking skills;
• the ability to develop the information literacy of users;
• specialised subject knowledge in the sector you wish to work in;
• a willingness to keep up to date with advances in technology and social media.

Some posts (more often in the public sector) also require CILIP Chartered Membership.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.