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An information broker is a service that is hired to collect and organize information on behalf of a client. Information brokering as a profession probably has its roots in the 1960's, when a few individuals and library organizations realized that the computer and the photocopier, harbingers of the significant role to be played by technology in the information revolution, would have a major impact on the organization and retrieval of information. The ability to deliver documents, copies of published articles, and similar material to the academic, business and professional communities, on-demand, presented an opportunity to those with enough foresight and entrepreneurial spirit to turn the need into a service business.

Many, though not all, information brokers have experience as business librarians. Sometimes, a local public library can provide free services related to business information needs. Other times, due to the complexity or depth of the research required, a professional researcher or information broker may be required.

External links

• Association of Independent Information Professionals - AIIP is an international association of owners of information businesses. Website includes details on the profession and on using, or becoming, an information broker.

See Also

SmallBusiness.com Glossary