The American Society for Information Science and Technology includes information
brokers, as well as other allied information specialists, in its membership.
The organization has about 4,000 members.
Helen Burwell is the author of the Burwell World Directory of Information
Brokers. She says some 2,500 companies in the U.S. employ information brokers.
"Some [companies] are sizeable, with dozens of employees. Some are fee-based
services at a public library. Some are one-person shops."
Marriott Smart is an information broker in Littleton, Colorado. She says
there are several factors influencing the growing need for experts in this
field. These include downsizing of companies and public libraries.
"There's a trend away from corporate libraries and a shortage of reference
librarians to assist those who require information," she says. "Along with
this, there's a continuing need for information -- a competitive environment
requiring information, but with little time or skills to do research."
Some information brokers bill hourly while others bill on a project basis.
Many have minimum fees.
John Levis is the former president of the Association of Independent Information
Professionals. He says the typical professional makes $25,000 to $50,000 a
year. Part-timers or those new to the field may make less than $15,000 a year,
he says.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.