The commercial connection

Abstract

The increasing dependence of commercial organizations on trading knowledge, and the ability of such organizations to exploit the power of information and communications technologies (ICTs) to shrink and globalize the world, offer considerable opportunities for librarians and information professionals to build successful careers in this field. This article outlines the basic features of the commercial information landscape relevant to librarians and information professionals, including: information supply; partnerships; and information architecture. These major components of the information landscape are considered in terms of some of the short-term challenges involved, including outsourcing and the high expectation of employers. The authors find that librarians and information professionals can find ways to base their careers on the needs of commercial organizations as long as they are able to muster the right mix of skills. Recent research has identified a number of key information skills required for work in the knowledge economy and a large number of specialized roles for librarians and information professionals working in the teams involved, including: chief knowledge officer; content manager; contracts/supply manager; data modellers; Electronic Records and Document Management (EDRM) manager; information architect; internal communications officer; and portal manager. The multi-disciplinary nature and virtual structures involved in such information teams typically require a mix of specialist information and ICT skills, plus expertise in organizational design and human resources, training and development. The article concludes that, if librarians and information professionals can develop the transferable and business skills required to match their professional skills, they are well placed to maximize the opportunities that the commercial sector offers.