From Informal Gatekeeper to Information Counselor: Emergence of a New Professional Role

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study is to identify sorne of the concepts and trends in the application of the "information gatekeeper" phenomenon. It is essential to emphasize the limitations of this preliminary exploration. We have not attempted to cover all aspects of the topic. Findings of pertinent studies in organization theory, decision science, cognitive psychology, communication science and information economics could not be included. Nor does the literature underlying this document do any justice to the universal nature of the gatekeeper concept and to its remarkable potential for cross-cultural investigation. More examples should have been drawn from development studies and from the studies and experiences of information professionals in developing countries. These omissions were due to the time constraints of the present review. We recommend compilation of a research inventory on the relevance of the technological information intermediary to social and economic development. We had to resist the temptat ion to discuss other gatekeeping-like phenomena such as research diffusion and utilization, technology transfer and adaptation, innovation management, and international consulting. These processes are closely related to the gatekeeping function. They share sorne objectives, psychological characteristics and essential skills with the gatekeeper's role, and they share its potential for enhancing the effectiveness of information transfer. Ve will be able to mention sorne of these research areas only tangentially. However, it is our hope that the present brief study and recommendations, in spite of their shortcomings, may stimulate discussion of and contributions to this international topic.