Changing tracks: how do you diversify your skillset for future professional success?

When did you first hear that librarianship was a profession in decline? 

Over the past three decades, the information profession has encountered significant changes. The rise of the internet and search engines and increased information automation, as well as economic ups and downs, have created new challenges and opportunities. 

However, we are here and thriving! We are “putting our hands up” and getting noticed by our organisations. 

We have embraced new tech, mastered management skills, perfected business and market research, and in some cases, developed entirely new roles! This blog post, inspired by Chrissy Street and Darron Chapman’s conference session on changing tracks delves into how these shifts are redefining the skillsets required for today's information professionals.

When was the last time you checked your skillset?

I recently read something that resonated with this theme of diversifying for success. 

Librarians have a long history of innovation. They have always created classification systems, indexed resources, provided access to information, and curated specialized knowledge archives. Because of their awareness of and expertise in finding information, they are well-suited to identify emerging client and business needs and offer insights to firm leadership. “Future of Law Firm Librarianship”, from Introduction to Law Librarianship (2020)

Innovation is the key! Whether you’ve been in the information profession for 2 years or 20 years, review how far you’ve come in that time. Which of your skills are now redundant? How has your role evolved? Where have you diversified? Innovated? Chrissy illustrated this ability to reinvent yourself using a timeline. I was inspired to create my own example.

Everyone’s experience is different. Some people have moved away from the “library” role entirely! Others have specialised in current awareness - or taxonomy management - or research. One of the advantages of opting for a career in the information role is the sheer choice of roles. The possibilities are endless and the only constant is change. Look at current job descriptions and feel inspired. 

From legal research to business and market intelligence reports, your skills for scanning and collating knowledge are highly regarded. Business development has evolved into a sophisticated part of the law firm operation and your expertise is essential. For example, involvement in internal and/or external communications or even managing client events. 

All elements of the role are rooted in tech but were you an early adopter? There’s a chance you learned HTML to get your library intranet pages up and running. Systems librarians have always been sought after. And now you might be testing AI solutions and driving your firm’s tech strategy. 

If you’re drawn to the learning and development side of the role, then you might have started with designing and leading training sessions. This might have evolved into a wider people management role, with mentoring, engagement and cultural strategy. After all, people skills and the ability to communicate are essential.

We should be developing new skills and brushing up on existing relevant ones. If you want to find out where you have gaps, do a skills audit and ask yourself some searching questions. 

Creating your brand and identifying your superpower

I have written about the importance of the information services’ branding. However, have you considered your personal brand? Your professional skills are important, but a brand is more than that. It’s your personality, passion, your USP, and the way you want to be perceived. With that in mind, what do you want people to say about you?

• A thought leader?
• A subject expert?
• An active member of the profession?

For library and information professionals, leveraging LinkedIn to its fullest potential can significantly elevate visibility and impact your career progression. LinkedIn remains the go-to platform for building a personal brand. You can do this in a number of ways but start by adding depth to your profile - make yourself relatable, engaging, and personable. 

As you put together your personal brand, you might discover your superpower! Chrissy suggested a wealth of options if you aren’t quite there yet:

• Conferences - attending, presenting, or even organising!
• Formal training and further qualifications
• Secondments to other departments/organisations
• Informal or “on the job” learning
• Coaching or mentoring
• Volunteering outside work (for example, BIALL etc, charities, schools or anything you are passionate about) 

The information profession is constantly evolving, offering a myriad of opportunities for those willing to diversify their skillset. Embrace innovation, seek continuous learning, and leverage your unique strengths. By doing so, you will not only stay relevant but also thrive in this dynamic field. The key to future success lies in our ability to adapt and redefine our roles, ensuring that we continue to be indispensable assets to our organisations and the broader information community.