June 2021 Member Spotlight
In each issue of Inside ASIS&T, we ask a different member questions about their perspectives, advice, and experiences in the field of information science and technology. If you'd like to be a featured member, send an email to Pamela Yonker at pyonker@asist.org.
Chinyere Amalahu
Information Services Librarian
Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria
What skills does one need to understand and study Information Science?
To study information science you need to understand that it is a wide discipline and must have critical thinking skills, be research oriented, tech savvy, and ready to update knowledge regularly.
What skills and knowledge are overemphasized and are not necessary while working within the discipline?
Traditional cataloguing not necessary considering developments in the 21st century.
In your eyes, what are the major hurdles that inhibit people from pursuing the study of information science?
Information science is a multidisciplinary field ranging from humanities to science and Technology. We need specializations to get on the right track.
What parts of information science give you the most joy and enable you to continue this work?
I'm given the most joy in teaching, conducting research, and providing services to satisfy information users’ needs.
How has the pandemic of COVID-19 changed how you interpret and see your work?
COVID-19 changed how people and organizations use the libraries and information resources in order to still keep safe.
Have you witnessed any noticeable shifts within the greater information science community at this time?
There’s no limit to what you can do to improve service delivery and the capacity to learn online. Everyone can achieve a solution to their information problems.