As digital libraries become a reality and Internet sources proliferate the role of the Information Specialist has become more crucial in the effective access of relevant information. How libraries are trying to harness electronic/digital data will be a major theme of papers – as it was at the 4th conference in Budapest in 2003.

The Information Specialist has always been a facilitator in helping clients to understand their information needs, but in this era where Knowledge Management is taking centre-stage, their facilitating role is even more dynamic. It encompasses the difficult area of tacit knowledge where much can be done by the Information Specialist in helping clients to share and create new knowledge.

This conference will also look at the way the role of the Information Specialist is being redefined or reshaped by new forces in the clients’ information environment.