Executives Ready to Engage with Information Professionals

SLA Contact:
John Walsh
Phone: 1.703.647.4917
jwalsh@sla.org

Executives Ready to Engage with Information Professionals
Research Shows that Business Leaders Want Team Players Who Understand Business Drivers and Can Provide Decision-Ready Information

Alexandria, Virginia, 31 October 2013–A study conducted by the Financial Times in partnership with SLA shows that those who use information services in businesses and other work environments perceive the value of those services quite differently than do those who provide them. But at least one group of users—executives—understands the need for good information and is more ready than ever to engage with information providers.

After a survey of nearly 1,000 respondents, multiple in-depth interviews, and a panel presentation, the research has defined key challenges which information professionals are facing, as well as the opportunities which go hand-in-hand with those challenges.

The effort focuses on the perceived value of information services from two perspectives–information professionals (providers) and their users (specifically, C-suite executives and others who employ and rely on information management functions). The resulting report, The Evolving Value of Information Management, was released by the Financial Times in conjunction with SLA.

“Central to SLA’s mission is advocacy–on behalf of the profession and the members we support,” said Janice Lachance, chief executive officer of SLA. “This research partnership with the Financial Times improves our ability to do just that. Together, we’ve uncovered data that confirms our thinking that information is the future of the global economy, and information professionals are uniquely positioned to adapt and to provide that information in the most effective way possible.”

The report focuses on stark gaps in the perceived value of information services across information providers and users. It then explains how information professionals in the modern era must go about closing those gaps.

“In an era of excess information, relevant, accurate and timely information remains a strategic business asset. We aim to help companies increase productivity and accelerate business growth through better use of information. The objective of this report was to support our goal, by providing an actionable framework for the continuing success of the information function in any organization”, said Caspar de Bono, Managing Director, B2B at the FT.

Further, the report finds five essential attributes which information professionals currently exhibit as a daily part of their success.

To access the full findings of the report, visit www.ft.com/sla.

About SLA

The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit international organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves information professionals in 75 countries in the information profession, including corporate, academic and government information specialists. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy and networking initiatives. For more information, visit www.sla.org.

Any large business structure consists of several units, and local teams are formed in each department who are competing with each other. Spy app can play a key role in this struggle.