9 - Take a leap from being a librarian to becoming an information consultant

Abstract

Some of the key issues of the migration process are outlined: information professionals – educated within the LIS field – later in their professional career either rise above or fall into information consultancy. It is emphasised that the opportunities for librarians to be key players in the knowledge management processes are immense but they have to make a fundamental shift in thinking and acting in their intermediary roles in organisations. The concept of cultural orientations is discussed along with the problem of professional identification and the need for more career-driven programmes at LIS institutions. Differences in the perception of relevant skills and competencies are presented on the basis of international studies.