2004SummerQ5

Question #5
Two models for the future of the information professional have received some attention in the literature: (1) the "Redundancy Model" where information professionals will no longer be needed to mediate access to information directly from providers, and (2) the "Masters of the Universe Model" where no one will be able to find the best and the most useful information without consulting an information professional. (a) Which of these two models seems most likely to you? Elaborate. (b) If neither seems appropriate, propose an alternate model that seems more reasonable and justify your position? (c) What might be done to assure that the future will be favorable for those in our profession?