Information scientist
Information manager, information officer, knowledge manager
Information scientists manage an organisation’s information resources and make sure it’s all readily available.
Salary Range: £18,000 to £40,000
How to become an information scientist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- through certification with a professional body
University
You could take a degree or postgraduate course approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Courses include:
- information studies
- information management
- informatics
- data asset management
- library studies
Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive and you should try to get up to a year’s work experience in a library or information services setting before you start.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
Work
You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.
Other routes
If you’re already working in information science or management, you could have your skills and knowledge certified by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
More information
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals to help with your career development.
Further information
You can find out more about working in information science from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- business management skills
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- cataloguing, classifying and storing information
- researching and acquiring new resources
- making sure that information is up to date and comprehensive
- dealing with research enquiries from collegues, managers or clients
- managing electronic information
- making sure that information systems meet data protection laws
- writing reports, briefings and website content
- managing an information budget
- training colleagues how to use information systems
- managing a team of information assistants
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you may progress into senior management.
You could also become self-employed as an information systems consultant.