What is the information broker doing?
Information broker, also known as an independent information expert, provides his clients professional research services. Information broker often works for companies that do not have their own librarians or research team, and can also work for self -employed persons who need qualified assistance. Information brokers usually have formal training in the field of research and database skills and may also have other training or education in one or more matters. They are also able to look for and evaluate the sources of information. During their time, they probably completed courses in reference services, databases and research sources in the postgraduate program of the library. For example, many library schools offer exchange work in the field of research and provision of reference services, especially related to enterprises or disciplines such as law, medicine or business. In addition to holding and advanced title in the field of science of libraries, an information broker can hold another titleLY in other subjects and can regularly take courses of further education both in information related to information and in the topic in which the person concentrates his practice.
The duties of the information broker differ depending on the skills of the information broker, the areas of interest and expertise and the needs of its clients. Some information brokers and their clients may have long -term contracts, while other clients may only need information broker services for special short -term projects. Many information brokers are self -employed, although some can work for a counseling company. Some information brokers are described as independent information experts to differ from information experts who work as librarians.
When considering someone to work with an information broker, it is important to distinguish between someone who knows how to search the Internet from someone whoIt has specialized knowledge and vocabulary and is trained in the use of proprietary databases. It is always good to ask an information broker about his education and experience in exploring topics or topics for which the information is needed. Other questions to ask to ask whether they participate in further education or belong to professional associations, such as the American Society for Information Science and Technology (Assist) or Association of Independent Information Experts (AIIP). Finally, it may be useful to ask about the history of the career of information. Information brokers who have professional experience outside the information profession can be able to carry out more detailed and accurate research than those who simply have academic knowledge of the subject.