Big Data and the Enterprise Information Professional
Jinfo Blog

By Victor Camlek

Abstract

Victor Camlek reviews what big data means for the information professional in a corporate information centre, library or strategic planning department. Opportunities abound for info pros to take the lead as content advocates on big data issues and to deliver an active agenda aimed at documenting, tracking and attending physical and virtual events focused on big data - to deliver a strong return on investment.

Item

Solving the problem of big data is extremely important to organisations today - it's vital to day-to-day operations as well as strategic planning. In a prior generation it was fine for the various departments or processes within an enterprise to collect data, store it in departmental 'silos' and use it for their own specific purpose from billing or marketing to inventory management and human resources. However, there were many instances where the data collected was not shared across departments or business units.

No Department is an Island

In today's connected enterprise, companies can no longer afford to have isolated islands of data. To achieve success in our highly competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace they need to take advantage of the huge repositories of data, structured and unstructured.

Given this proposition, what does this mean for the information professional residing within a corporate information centre, library or strategic planning department?

Big data in the business environment represents the DNA that must be used to identify and implement potential opportunities. It is also very useful as a foundation that may be used to address opportunity and risks involved with sustaining and growing customers. Beyond the technical expertise needed to manage big data, organisations need to be kept abreast of the latest big data-related developments.

Libraries as Big Data Leaders

Information centres and libraries active in the corporate world should take a leadership role as the champions of knowledge and developments about big data - perhaps by building collections of discovery tools and documentation that cover the latest aspects of the science behind big data.

For example, knowledge of the latest business intelligence systems, vendors and issues is key to solving the big data challenge. Information covering the latest advances in data mining, metrics, basic analytics and predictive analytics will be very helpful to those business decision teams who must deliver critical support for business decisions revolving around a big data strategy.

Keeping track of rapidly advancing technologies, along with the ability to collect and assess the views of key opinion leaders should be a table stake. Another opportunity is to maintain a business relationship with those market tracking firms and expert network organisations capable of offering provocative and compelling views about big data related issues.

Keeping On Top of Big Data Developments

An active agenda aimed at documenting, tracking and attending physical and virtual events focused on big data will deliver a strong return on investment. The ubiquitous nature of the internet, at times, threatens the value and appreciation of the info pro. However, the very existence of a complicated world of big data demands the existence of centres of excellence populated by experts who can drive corporate understanding of the latest developments and opportunities. What better team than the information centre, special library and strategy support departments to become this mission critical centre of excellence?

Enterprise information teams also require specific vertical market knowledge. For example, within the US there are mandatory regulations about to take hold that involve big data applications specific to the world of healthcare IT. Planned developments over the next couple of years will have profound impact on the industry and daily healthcare management. Other industries and markets face their own particular challenges, as do all global stakeholders.

Seize the Opportunity

The bottom line is that big data, although descriptive of a problem, is truly an opportunity for the information professional. Businesses across all markets must understand the latest developments and implications of big data to the core business. There are many high-quality consulting organisations ready and willing to provide this guidance.

Corporate information centres and special libraries are in a wonderful position to take the lead as content advocates. Work with key stakeholders from IT and the C-suite as well as the advisory firms they can become a vital component of a corporate SWAT team tasked with making and implementing critical big data decisions.

Editor's Note: Big Data in Action

This article is part of the FreePint Topic Series: Big Data in Action, which includes articles, reports, webinars and resources published between April and June 2013. Learn more about the series here.

Articles in series:

• Understanding Big Data
• Defining Big Data: The Four Vs
• Big Data and the Enterprise Information Professional

« Blog