Appendix 3 – Institute of Information Scientists: core areas
The following descriptions attempted to specify the key interest areas of members of the Institute and define a particular promotional ‘angle’. They could then be used as introductory material in letters or other communications introducing or drawing attention to the Institute and its activities (e.g. in recruitment drive letters to journal editors or institutions).
- Extended version
The Institute of Information Scientists is the professional association for people primarily concerned with information – its acquisition, storage, retrieval and dissemination. The sheer volume of data available and the need for reliable and relevant subject area, and available information resources, the techniques needed to locate the appropriate facts, and the most effective ways to evaluate and present them. Members of the Institute are centrally concerned with information, whatever the techniques used for its handling. This means that they are familiar both with published and unpublished sources and with computerised systems, including commercial online database services and the development of mechanised systems for the management of internal information resources. Because much information is conveyed through direct person-to-person contact, information scientists require a thorough knowledge of the organisation for which they work, and will identify and make use of formal and informal communications networks operating within and between organisations.
The Institute was established in 1958 since when it has developed from its original scientific base to its present position of representing members who are specialists in the management of information in all sectors of the economy.
- Short version
The Institute of Information Scientists is the professional association for information specialists – people who are involved in the identification, acquisition, storage for retrieval, selection, evaluation and presentation of the specific information needed for decision making. This requires a thorough understanding of the working needs of organisations and knowledge of the available external and internal information resources. Specific systems skills are used to manage and optimise the use of these resources, which may be held on printed, electronic, optical, or other media.
C.P.R. Dubois
Chairman, Membership Development Committee
