Read Jinfo's research into the information-savvy workforce
Jinfo Blog

By Norma Beavers

Abstract

What progress are organisations making in maximising the skills and expertise of information professionals to improve the information literacy of their staff? Jinfo has put this very issue to the test with the "Jinfo survey on developing an information-savvy workforce - 2017"

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One of the key findings of the "Jinfo survey on developing an information-savvy workforce - 2017" is that knowing where to start with information skill development is still a big challenge - but it is not insurmountable. 

Our survey findings show nearly three-quarters of information professionals expect to do onboarding activities this year.

This is the ideal time to carry out "a basic survey of needed skills", to include whether personnel know how to construct a simple, effective and efficient search, or how to ask a good research question; whether they are familiar with internal policies on the use of web-based sources, or with basic copyright standards, writes Jinfo's director of research, Robin Neidorf.

In-person versus online training

Part of our Research Focus, "Developing an information-savvy workforce through strategic alignments", our survey drew responses from 100 respondents about their current and future plans for upskilling their organisation's workforce.

Over 80% of respondents reported that they provided in-person training on information skills in 2016. However, these numbers are falling, with only 64% saying they are likely to do so again this year.

In 2016, one-quarter of respondents said they expected to develop online learning resources on information skills. Use of these sources looks set to grow, with 70% of respondents saying they expect to develop online learning resources this year.

What's more, while 67% reported in 2016 that onboarding new hires would continue to be a common activity, this year numbers have risen to 72% - again suggesting this is the right place to begin to equip your workforce with information-savvy workers.

Find out more

The survey findings suggest that information professionals will see less in terms of face-to-face training going on as more online training tools are developed and signposted to new recruits and recently promoted staff.

The need for information-savvy employees has never been greater, so catch up on the latest trends by reading the "Jinfo survey on developing an information-savvy workforce - 2017".

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