An examination of Canadian information professionals’ involvement in the provision of business information synthesis and analysis services

Abstract

The present study investigated the processes information professionals, working in a business environment, follow to meet business clients’ information needs and particularly their involvement in information synthesis and analysis practices. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data was collected via a survey of 98 information professionals across North America and follow-up interviews with eight Canadian information professionals. It was found that there is an increasing need for value-added services, which incorporate synthesis and analysis but the level of information professionals’ involvement differs depending on a range of factors such as clients’ needs and attitudes, information professionals’ knowledge of the subject area and their length of time working in a particular organization. Information synthesis and analysis in a business context is mostly a collaborative process and principles of analysis are required throughout the entire cycle of information seeking. For the effective transition of information professionals to information synthesists and analysts more effective support may be required to develop a set of essential skills and knowledge.