What are the job roles and responsibilities of an Information Scientist?

Information scientists typically work across the breadth of a company. A lot of their time is spent communicating with colleagues or carrying out research in archives of documents.

Key duties of the job include:

• evaluating, organising, cataloguing, classifying, managing and distributing information in a variety of formats

• creating databases

• ensuring that information is up to date

• ensuring that data protection laws are met

• helping to develop intranets for staff to use

• answering Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

• carrying out information audits, inquiries and internal commissions

• answering enquiries from staff and external parties

• maintaining statistical and financial records

• writing reports

• using specialist computer applications

• searching for and retrieving information from the internet and online databases

• promoting and marketing services

• maintaining a budget

• training and supervising assistant staff.

Typical employers of information scientists

• Private and public sector organisations

• Public libraries and information services

• Government departments

• Professional associations

• Research establishments

• Charities

• Academic or school libraries

• Commercial organisations

• Universities

Qualifications and training required

It’s possible to enter this profession with a degree in any subject. However, some employers require a relevant subject such as information science or information and library studies.

Depending on the industry you work in, you may need a sector-specific degree. For example, if you are managing history databases, a history degree may be preferable.

Any experience of working in a library, archive or research facility is beneficial. You can also apply for IT, technology or administration-related industrial placements, summer internships and insight programs.

Key skills for information scientists

• Motivation

• Excellent research skills

• Attention to detail

• Organization and efficiency

• Teamworking skills

• Verbal and written communication

• Interpersonal skills

• Computer skills

• Proficiency with databases and the internet