The professional of information: an analysis based on Ulrich’s multiple functions model

Abstract

This paper has as its scope to discuss the functions of the professionals of information using the multiple functions model of Human Resources (HR). In this model, Ulrich (1998) informs that the HR professional, as a business partner, must act in four different functions: strategic partner, administrative specialist, employee’s defender and agent of changes. The methodology used was the bibliography research, raising in the specialized literature the diverse functions proposed for the professional of information, comparing them with Ulrich’s model (1998). From this comparison, and analyzing the Brazilian Classification of Occupations – CBO (2002), it was concluded that the proposed model can be applied in the analysis of the modern functions demanded from the professional of information. The metaphors adapted to the multiple functions of the professionals of information are as follows: strategic partner, informational specialist, informational needs analyst and agent of changes. The professionals of information are business partners that diagnose the needs of the organization regarding informational competences, adapting the practices of the information units to the business strategies and contributing to aggregate value to the organizations’ business.