The information professional: attitudes and images

Abstract

Reports results of a study designed to provide information on the perception of the library and information professional, in the context of a special library and information service (LIS), with a user group of professionals from other specialities. The study focused on 2 different professional user groups: legal professionals in a law firm LIS, and medical professionals in a medical school LIS. The primary aim of the study was to establish, by means of a ques tionnaire survey, interview and case study approach, how the LIS was viewed by its users, and how, specifically, its professional library staff were compared to other professionals. The study also investigated the source of, and solution for, any poor professional image that may be found to exist. As a starting point, professional image was taken to be composed of: professional title, profess ional role, capability, behaviour, and social status. Results, from 2 different professional environments, gave remarkably similar results in which the LIS was highly regarded by its users, but seen as fulfilling very much a ser vice oriented and reactive function rather than a dynamic or proactive func tion. LIS staff are regarded as being efficient, intelligent and helpful, possessing specialized knowledge, and undertaking a range of tasks beyond the routine and traditional. They are seen as unambitious people, whose satisfaction lies in helping others to achieve their ends. Other results and con clusions are reported.