The future demand for information professionals in Europe

Abstract

European society is becoming increasingly dependant on, and shaped by, information. Tech­ nological change is creating profound shifts in the ways in which Europeans work, learn and relax. These changes are altering patterns of employment and are generating new demands for information profes­ sionals. To understand the dynamics of these changing demands it is first necessary to understand the economic, social, political and cultural changes that are taking place. At the industrial level, the information industries are expanding rapidly and becoming a significant force within the European economy. The information sector can be divided into three segments: in­ formation content; information delivery and information processing. The boundaries between these segments are, however, becoming blurred as convergence brings about a process or industrial re-align­ ment. At the organisational level, information is being used in both the public and private sectors as a resource that can improve productivity, raise levels of quality, increase market penetration and improve competitiveness. These changes are increasing significantly the demand for information within the corpo­ rate sector. At the social level there is also increased demand for information. People need information to make consumption decisions. They also need it in order to function as citizens. There are still major problems of access that need to be overcome. These changes have begun to generate demands for four identifiable sets of information skills: skills in creation, collection, communication and copsolidation. Creators are those who produce the information content, whether in traditional or new media. Collectors are the librarians and archivists who build collections of information in anticipation of future use. Communicators are those professionals who provide information services on demand. Finally, the consolidators are the researchers and information analysts who work in corporate environments, making sense of the world for others.