Information officer: Job description

Information officers manage and develop the procurement, supply and distribution of information for an organisation or client in support of their needs and objectives. They work with electronic information, especially online databases, content management systems and internet resources, as well as traditional library materials.

Services may be provided internally and/or externally and the role may involve managing and exploiting internally produced information as well as sourcing and providing materials from outside organisations.

Job titles vary, (for example information specialist, internet librarian, information scientist, knowledge assistant or information manager), and it is important to look beyond the title to the actual work involved in the role.

Information officers play a key role in a wide range of organisations and handle all types of information, including scientific, technical, legal, commercial, financial, medical and educational.

Typical work activities

Information officers are concerned with managing information in order to make it easily accessible. Work activities vary, depending on the needs of the organisation or client, but typically include:

• selecting, managing and acquiring resources (both hard copy and electronic) to meet an organisation's current and anticipated needs;
• classifying, collating and storing information, usually using special computer applications, for easy access and retrieval;
• creating and searching databases;
• cataloguing and indexing materials;
• scanning and abstracting materials;
• conducting information audits;
• developing and managing electronic resources using, for example, online databases and content management systems;
• writing and editing reports, publications and website content;
• developing and managing internal information resources and networks via intranet sites;
• designing for the web;
• overseeing the development of new information systems;
• responding to enquirers' requests using electronic and printed resources;
• running effective enquiry and current awareness or 'alerting' services and developing communications strategies;
• providing user education via leaflets, websites and tours of the library/information room;
• publicising and marketing services, internally and externally, through publicity material, demonstrations, presentations and/or social media;
• providing training and advice to colleagues and sometimes clients on the use of electronic information services;
• managing a range of projects;
• developing and exploiting multimedia information;
• giving presentations and individual consultations.

Staff may also be involved in:

• supervising and training other information staff;
• budget management.