The New Professional's Toolkit

Citation

Tsang Phillip, L. (2012), "The New Professional's Toolkit", Records Management Journal, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 229-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691211283165

With the global economic downturn hitting every corner of society, it is inarguably a daunting time to enter a profession, any profession, especially one that is as dynamic and fast changing as Information Management. Bethan Ruddock's toolkit provides a heads up for new professionals who are just starting out in their career of what to expect and prepares them with the essential skills to succeed in their professional lives. What makes the book particularly useful is the author's ability to make use of practical examples in the form of case studies and combine these with exercises and useful resources. There is rich information with little use of jargon so that readers can learn and borrow from colleagues' experiences and reflect and apply those skills in each of their own unique circumstances. Ruddock manages to illustrate with passion the different aspects of the profession in such ways that it actually appeals and enthuses potential professionals who are still sitting on the fence of the information management path. However, she does not delude readers into thinking that it is all a bed of roses.

Refusing to shy away from the facts, Ruddock acknowledges the reality of budget cuts and redundancy which can appear to be gloomy, where “it seems the jobs you have trained for are being slashed in front of your eyes” (p. 114), the situation nonetheless gives rise to alternatives and opportunities for professionals. The new environment has altered the work culture and ethos in numerous ways compared to the profession twenty years ago. To look at some of the themes, it is not hard to notice that users are now being placed at the heart of all service provision, as the book points out the importance of information professionals having to actively promote their services and bringing the “library” to the users. There are a number of chapters dedicated to user communication, technologies, online environment, funding and money issues. This shift of emphasis towards IT and financial management skills instead of systems related skills mirrors the current trend in LIS research and is a clear reflection on what are to be considered the essential skills that new professionals must acquire in order to succeed in the current market. Furthermore, information professionals today are finding themselves having to increasingly demonstrate their value to their organisations and stakeholders, with such displays ranging from showcasing the impact of the collections, the value of the system and services to practitioners' professional worthiness. Apart from the recession and the increase in competitions and all around pressure, this development is also caused by the advances in technology and the change in customer expectations. The author encourages new professionals to think “outside the box” and consider more widely the applicability of their knowledge and skills. Since information professionals possess such diverse expertise and transferrable skills that they are no longer bound by the traditional roles or settings.

Instead of merely focusing on the present, the author adopts a forward looking approach in offering new professionals advice to be prudent and develop a broader vision of their future. The nature of the information profession is as such that stagnation quickly turns skills into obsoletes and if carried on unchecked is equivalent to professional suicide. The skills sets identified in the book have a timeless applicability as they have laid down the foundation for future development and progression opportunities. Continuing professional training and development, another running theme of the book, is an utmost survival tool which requires proactive actions, dedication and perseverance. Because it is such an important process it should be built into every professional's development plan. The example of the solo records manager illustrated in chapter 11 has demonstrated the importance of developing networks and connecting to the wider community. Another emerging trend demonstrated in the book is that of the individual regaining control and taking charge over their own future and career. Rather than thinking of what the organisation can do for me, the ball is now back to the individual's court and the question turns into what I can do for the organisation, and how I can contribute to society. Gone are the days when the training budget was in abundance and information professionals could frequently attend training courses and conferences for learning and development purposes. With the training budget being squeezed to zero in some cases in certain organisations, “staff are increasingly expected to be responsible for their own training and development” (p. xvii). It is up to the information professionals then to be innovative and use their imagination and creativity to take advantage of any potential opportunities available. Information professionals must have a plan. To avoid becoming dispensable, they have to be ready for the changes and challenges to come.

The areas covered in the book are by no means exhaustive. In spite of this, it has covered the main aspects of the information profession of the twenty‐first century. It has fulfilled its aim by outlining the essential skills and areas that the new professionals should acquire and also endeavour to develop throughout their careers. Far‐reaching and insightful, it serves as a practical reference for new professionals and a check‐list for experienced practitioners alike. Ruddock has successfully captured the essence of the contemporary practice of the profession, and though it may not be the intention of the book, she has tactfully advocated for the profession by portraying Information Professionals as the fun and intelligent bunch they truly are!