Identifying the transferable skills of information professionals through mentoring

Abstract

This article discusses the findings of a recently completed British Library project which sought to enable information professionals to develop and enhance their careers. The project aimed to identify a framework of transferable skills for information professionals, in the health and oil industry sectors, by using a mentoring methodology. “Learning pairs” were established by matching information professionals with a mentoring partner from a related profession or from a different sector. This research comes at a time when the workplace is changing and professionals are seeking to develop existing and acquire new skills. The findings are of interest in that they reveal the skills profiles of information professionals and likely skills gaps. In addition, the actual mentoring methodology is of interest for those seeking new ways of encouraging and supporting professional development.