Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Information Officer- from: Youtube Search
- Freedom of Information Officer- from: iCould [UK] Video
- Information & Membership Supervisor- from: icould [UK] Video
- Information Architect & Volunteer Mentor- from: icould [UK] Video
- Information Officer- from: iCould [UK] Video
Working Life
Information Officers are not unlike librarians. They handle information in a variety of media, books, journals, newspapers, leaflets, video, audio cassettes, microfiche, multimedia, CDs, computer databases, etc. Their responsibilities include:
-Being aware for new publications and materials and deciding what to add to the library.
-Cataloging, classifying and indexing new material to make it available to library users.
-Helping people to access the information.
-Identifying, selecting, ordering and managing both hard copy and electronic resources for the organisations current and anticipated information needs. This may also include answering queries from an immediate client group and the general public.
Further Information
- Advice worker- from: GradIreland
- Information officer- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Information Officer
As an Information Officer you need to be an out-going person capable of dealing with and communicating with people effectively both written and orally.
You need to possess good research skills and an enquiring mind, an appreciation of the role of information technology and the ability to cope with it, as it is used extensively to record, store and disseminate information.
A high level of literacy is required and an interest in reading is desirable to keep up to date with new information.
You must also be able to market library services and teach users library and information-seeking skills.
You also need to be able to work as part of a team in order to retrieve and communicate information to clients and other team members.
A willingness to learn and develop your knowledge is also important as you will need to keep yourself informed of latest developments.
Interests - Information Officer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Information Officer
There are a number of relevant courses available to those wishing to enter this field of work including the Higher Diploma in Library and Information Studies which is available in University College Dublin. The objectives of this course are to prepare students for professional careers in information or library work. Candidates who hold a recognised university degree will be considered for admission to the diploma course and graduates who wish to pursue this line of work further can apply for entry onto the Degree of Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) also at UCD.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office administration, youth, community work, social and care work, social studies including advocacy.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business, office administration, youth, community work, social and care work, social studies including advocacy.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples:
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business administration, teaching, youth and community work, social work, probation or personnel, HR.
Search for CAO Courses
Maynooth University: Adult Guidance Theory & Practice NFQ Level 8 [Special purpose award]
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: leadership, advocacy, early years, public advocacy, activism, social justice, public policy.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
For Professional membership of the Library Association Ireland a primary qualification at undergraduate NFQ level 8 and a post graduate qualification:
Information & Library Management
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Information Officer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €45k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Activelink/ Charityrecruitment/ PAS/ CCI
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Information Officer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Librarians Archivists; curators; Journalists; newspaper and periodical editors; Public relations professionals; Advertising account managers; and creative directors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians.
The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.
Useful Contacts - Information Officer
-
Activelink
- Activelink, 2-4 Merville Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 E3F8, Ireland.
- 01-6677326
- [email protected]
- Click Here
-
COMREG Communcations regulator
-
Comhairle (Citizens Information Board)
- Ground Floor Georges Quay House, 43 Townsend St. Dublin 2
- 0761 07 9000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
