Introduction

Information technology (IT) is no longer the exclusive domain of engineers operating out of basement server rooms. It is part of every worker's daily life and the invisible platform on which they perform. Although the role of the systems librarian emerged when librarians first moved from card catalogues to online public access catalogues (OPACs) there has traditionally been a firm division between the library or information service and the IT department. The one provides information, the other behind-the-scenes back-up and development. Yet, as the name might suggest, the information relies on the technology and, as far as the end-user is concerned, they provide the same product or service. There is every advantage in having a good relationship between an information service and an IT department to make sure that the two work together seamlessly. A more recent development is the information professional with strong IT skills who takes on a hybrid role, whether formally, as part of their job description, or simply as a practical means of delivering information services. The authors of this chapter both define themselves as information professionals, but have used their technical skills to inhabit or create hybrid IT roles combining elements of ‘info pro’ and ‘IT pro’. They draw on their experience and that of an increasing network of similar hybrids to share the advantages and possible approaches to working with technology as an information professional.

The rise of the cyborgs

‘Technology is everywhere.’ How often have you heard this phrase, which evokes such an immediate affirmation from those with whom you communicate? We are surrounded by technology and we want to take it with us everywhere, with increasing use of mobile devices and wearable computing contributing to this trend. The ultimate purpose of all of that technology, especially mobile technology, is to bring information and knowledge to users on demand.

More informally, increasing numbers of information professionals are people whose lives are integrated with and supplemented by the technologies they use every day. The growth in the adoption of ever-present devices like smart phones and tablets, and the development of fully ubiquitous computing, sometimes called ‘everyware’ (Greenfield, 2006) like Apple’s iWatch or augmented reality products like Google Glass, will lead to further technological and informational integration.