The "hidden" side of information practice
Jinfo Blog

By Scott Brown

Abstract

We conduct high-value research, and provide analysis and insight. These are the activities we usually talk about when we talk about our work. This editorial provides a view of some of the "hidden" aspects of information management, and the breadth and depth of the impact we can have.

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We're information professionals. We organise and provide access to information. We conduct high-value research, and provide game-changing and profound analysis and insight. (OK, maybe I exaggerate a bit. But perhaps not.) These are the activities we usually talk about when we talk about our work.

But what about the "hidden" side of our work? This issue of the Information Practice newsletter, I feel, touches on some of those hidden aspects.

So you created and implemented a taxonomy for your organisation – you’re done now, right? Um…not quite. In her article, Heather Hedden, author of "The Accidental Taxonomist", discusses some of the finer points of taxonomy management. Heather discusses assignment of responsibilities, policies and procedures to consider in managing your taxonomy.

Providing another perspective, Edsel David looks at information management compliance, a realm where few information professionals dare to tread (and, in some aspects, reasonably so). However, Edsel points out that this is an area where information professionals can have a profound and important impact in an organisation. Edsel provides six strategies for venturing into this increasingly critical practice.

Rounding out our management topics, James Mullan takes a look at the evolving state of enterprise search, and Dean Mason examines the possibilities of using GPS positioning for mapping our organisations from the inside.

Last but not least, we released the FreePint Report: Internal Communications. Guest editor Christy Confetti-Higgins discusses the many trends she sees in this space, and our expanding role in connecting and communicating within our organisations. Communications are not just about sending out email newsletters any longer – approached strategically, our internal communications can build our visibility and, more importantly, help us to reach and influence stakeholders in our organisations.

To me, the topics here illustrate some of the "hidden" sides of information work. Maybe some are not quite as sexy as the "typical" areas of information practice. Yet these perspectives provide a better view of the breadth and depth of the impact we can have.

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