Mapping the UK information workforce in the library, archives, records, information management, knowledge management and related professions

A workforce mapping project was carried out in the UK between August 2014 and October 2015. It was commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the Archives and Records Association (ARA) to enhance understanding of the nation's workforce in Library, Archives, Records, Information Management, Knowledge Management and related professional roles. Based on the statistical analysis of secondary data sources such as the UK Labour Force Survey, as well as responses to an online survey, a long‐needed data baseline was produced by a project team of six from Edinburgh Napier University. Key findings relate to an estimated population of 86,376 workers, their general demographics, qualifications and memberships and the diversity of the population as a whole. Of particular interest are the findings on pay differences and seniority according to gender, and the low ethnic diversity of the population surveyed.