spotlight on: Kim Emmons     return to other professionals

Your primary responsibilities:
In 1990 I joined Washington Research Foundation/WRF Capital as its first full-time information specialist. I established WRF's Research Services, which included a small print library and an online search service for WRF staff members, WRF venture center tenants, and nonprofit technology transfer organizations in Washington state. My expertise includes researching patents and trademarks, scientific literature, competitive intelligence, and trade and industry sources to support market research. I was also instrumental in developing WRF's public web site and its intranet. My education includes a bachelor of science from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and a master's of library and information science from the University of Washington. I participate as part of the senior management team that identifies and evaluates investment opportunities. I also take primary responsibility for implementing knowledge management solutions for the organization.

The knowledge and skills required to do your job:
As a corporate librarian, it is necessary to be well informed about the about the strategic goals of the business you support. Focus your efforts on activities that support the core desicions and actions of your organization. It is imperative that you be proactive; give people information they need, in a form they can use, before they ask for it. Essential skills include an understanding of search and retrieval technologies, and the ability to quickly learn the syntax and limitations of database retrieval systems, including Web search engines.

The Future:
Learn how to evaluate and compare information products. Hone your reference interview skills that help people define their information needs. Learn the tools and tricks used to become familiar with the best resources for your company's industry and educate your clients about those resources. Participate in professional organizations aimed at both information specialists and the professionals you support. More than ever, the corporate librarian needs to identify solutions to the problem of information overload for his- or herself and for the other knowledge workers in the organization.

(September 2001)