Friday, November 05, 2004

LIS job market

Although the LIS job market has been extended, it seems that LIS professionals haven't seized the new opportunities. The results of Breen (2002) shows that many of the jobs which were taken up by non-LIS graduates, were compatible with the skill-set of LIS graduates. What's the problem?I think one of the main problem has rooted from LIS education. It is not up to date and it is doesn't provide students with the required skills for the job market. Just have a look at following job advertisments:1. Job title: Information management officerExperience & Qualifications:Recognised information management qualificationHigh level of proficiency with computer-based information systems (including database and website) and word processing packages and their organisational application.Skills:Strong interpersonal skills and well developed oral and written communication skills.A keen interest in training on systems and proceduresSound research and investigative skillsExperience in data manipulation and analysis using computerised systemsStrong problem-solving, organisational and time management skillsAptitudeDemonstrated ability to work effectively as a team memberAbility to assimilate and work with information across the organisation’s programsAbility to liaise and work with staff from another programs as member of a team, or to work independentlyAbility to set priorities, meet deadlines and achieve specific objectives.2. Job title: Information Management Consultant:Seeking a Technical Consultant that possess a strong background in KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT and information managementsystems.The preference is for experience with DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT, ELECTRONIC RECORD keeping and library management systems.A sound ability to provide process mapping and workflow design is required.Further skills in requirements gathering and planning is necessary.The person must be sharp and be able to show initiatve to run with projects, coordinate activities and work closelywith others.DOCUMENTUM experience is highly regarded as are Tertiary qualifications.A background in a Consulting role or knowledge management role is preferred.3. Job title: Junior Database / Document Administrator-strong understanding of business processes and quality management-advanced user of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Visio-previous experience in the application administration of a database -document management-the ability to identify, investigate and analyse problems including bug fixing and troubleshooting-the ability to create and generate Crystal Reports -knowledge of Oracle, SQL and Access-act as liaison between the client and external service providers You will be a professional individual, with excellent communication and client facing skills as well as relevanttertiary qualifications.You will be proactive and be able to work independently, including working to strict deadlines.Any additional knowlege of Quality Management Systems will be highly regarded.--------------------------------------Breen, C. [et al]. (2002). "New information management opportunities in a changing world." Library Review 51(3/4): 127 (12p).

KM and librarianship: part 5

Some commentatores believe that one of the main barriers for LIS professionals to engage in high level of knowledge management is their personal attributes rooted from their educational culture. Abell & Oxbrow (2001) state:" People in senior positions were not born with an innate understanding of their industry or organization. They acquired it throughout their career, jast as information professionals do-or do they? Is that the difference-that those reaching top management positions never saw any barriers to doing so? Their training as an accountant, engineer or HR professional didn't somehow set them apart from the business of their organization. They expected that there would be opportunities for them and they were ready to take them.How many information professionals set out with the same attitude, or are ready to look for opportunities to extend their experience and influence? How many expect that they could and should succeed at senior management level?"Also, librarian stereotype dosen't encourage employers to employ LIS professionals at high levels of management. As breen & Farragher (2002) state:"Few people, if asked to describe a librarian, would include the adjectives "risk-taking" or "ambitious". Neither are librarians perceived as being "creative".--------------------------------------------------
Abell, A. and N. Oxbrow (2001). Competing with knowledge: The information professionals in the knowledge management age. London, Library Association Publishing.
Breen, C., A. Farragher, et al. (2002). "New information management opportunities in a changing world." Library Review 51(3/4): 127 (12p).