THE EMERGING MARKET FOR INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN THE UK NATIONAL-HEALTH-SERVICE

The number of information jobs in the UK National Health Service (NHS) has increased greatly in the past 10 years as a result of NHS reforms. An overview is given of the structure of the NHS, indicating where most of the new information jobs are found. The reasons why library and information science (LIS) graduates are not recruited, and for the most part do not apply, are analysed. The main areas of work of NHS information are analysed. The conclusion is drawn that the skills and knowledge of LIS graduates are relevant and applicable to a great deal of information work in the NHS. When the LIS community becomes more aware of NHS information work LIS graduates are likely to apply in increasing numbers. When NHS information managers realize that LIS graduates are numerate and have skills and knowledge not usually associated with librarians they will begin to recruit LIS graduates.