Knowledge workers often seek unconventional and potentially risky “workarounds” to complete tasks, says Economist Intelligence Unit

Thanks to ResoureShelf for pointing out this study from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Knowledge workers often seek unconventional and potentially risky “workarounds” to complete tasks, says Economist Intelligence Unit

Here’s another document that illustrates many things including why info pros are still needed and more valuable then ever before. Are we getting the word out? Are we focusing enough on our core skills and abilities? Are they still needed or should we focusing on “new” stuff?

From the summary:

Despite an abundance of data, knowledge workers continue to struggle to locate the information they need in a timely manner, according to Enterprise Knowledge Workers: Understanding Risks and Opportunities, a research study from the Economist Intelligence Unit sponsored by SAP. As a result, 57% of survey respondents feel they do not have ready access to all of the information they need to perform their roles, and 71% must find “workarounds” to complete their tasks. The survey polled knowledge workers of various industries and company sizes from around the globe on their experiences relating to collaboration and data sharing across the enterprise.

Here are a few reasons (of MANY) we often mention:

1. Specialty databases (some that are fee-based) are still valuable
2. Info pros can train how to use a resource (a little can go a long way), make selection decisions on what to buy (or not), or simply said: SAVE PEOPLE TIME and EFFORT. “Save the Time of the Reader” is now save the time of the electronic info user AND reader.
3. Help teach about judging info quality.