What Does An Information Specialist Do?

WHAT DOES AN INFORMATION SPECIALIST DO?

Published: Sep 15, 2025 - The Information Specialist is responsible for acquiring, organizing, and maintaining information resources, ensuring that data is accurate, secure, and accessible across digital and physical platforms. This position conducts research, evaluates information systems, applies classification or indexing standards, and implements data management tools to improve retrieval, analysis, and knowledge sharing. By combining technical expertise with strategic insight, the specialist also supports organizational decision-making, enhances workflow efficiency, and ensures compliance with information governance policies.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Information Specialist

1. Information Systems Specialist Duties

Application Improvement: Contribute to ensuring all applications of the platform are continuously improved to better support business activities.
Release Planning: Manage release planning based on prioritization of user enhancement requests and bug fixing.
Vendor Management: Assist leadership in managing software vendors.
Innovation Support: Support the development of new ideas to improve the platform in support of business needs.
System Architecture: Provide technical assistance in system architecture decision-making.
Business Analysis: Conduct business analysis for configuration and customization activities.
Data Management: Assist in processing Master Data Management within applicable IT tools.
Technical Representation: Serve as the technical representative for all systems.
System Configuration: Execute system configurations and monitor IT-related tickets daily.
Process Analysis: Analyze current system functionalities and processes, and support the design of improvements.
Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the quality assurance team and implement critical quality-related deliverables.
Application Support: Manage and provide support to critical business application systems.

2. Product Information Specialist Details

Product Data Management: Acquire and maintain product data.
Catalog Management: Manage brand catalogs and ensure data accuracy and completion.
User Training: Support and train brand product managers and local users on the platform.
Translation Management: Work with local markets to ensure translations are completed within the required timeframe and to a high standard.
Reporting: Provide reports and templates to assist with ongoing data management.
IT Collaboration: Collaborate with IT on enhancements and bugs.
Data Flow Support: Work alongside brand teams to ensure all data flows through to outputs.
Data Syndication: Manage data syndication.
Troubleshooting: Serve as the key point of contact for training and troubleshooting.
Brand Standards: Work alongside brand teams to ensure brand standards are maintained and requirements are met.
System Feedback: Provide feedback to the Digital Data Manager on system performance, bugs, and potential enhancements.

3. Release of Information Specialist Responsibilities

Privacy Protection: Responsible for protecting patient privacy, confidentiality, and all operations.
Authorization Verification: Respond to verbal and written requests for information and verify the validity of each authorization.
Partner Coordination: Work with external partners to ensure high-quality processing and achieve turnaround time standards of 5–7 business days.
Call Handling: Handle inbound and outbound calls related to requests for the release of information.
Customer Service: Provide direct customer service to walk-in requestors.
Service Excellence: Take personal responsibility for ensuring exceptional customer service both internally and externally.
Emergency Faxing: Fax information to requestors in emergencies.
Form Management: Complete form letters to accompany invalid medical record requests returned to requestors.
Legal Testimony: Testify to the authenticity of medical information and hand-deliver medical records to the court.
Legal Liaison: Serve as a direct link to the hospital’s legal services department to facilitate the processing of records for legal purposes.
Record Retrieval: Locate and retrieve archived charts, microfiche, film, clinic charts, and other information from multiple computer systems.

4. Library Information Specialist Job Summary

Literature Access: Provide access to literature for employees across all platforms and functions using established workflows.
Metadata Management: Ensure metadata records in the EOS ILS and internal knowledge management databases are entered correctly and maintained properly.
Literature Support: Support the Info Center with literature procurement, access, and organization to meet bibliography and publication requirements.
Citation Management: Complete citations for publications using bibliographic tools.
Resource Management: Assist with online resource renewals, management, and access.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot online journal and resource access.
Information Acquisition: Acquire and process information resources based on business needs.
Usage Monitoring: Maintain and monitor data on journal and online resource usage and prepare reports.
Notebook Management: Facilitate the acquisition of lab notebooks and logbooks and manage their copying and archiving for multiple sites.
Content Distribution: Edit and distribute electronic Tables of Contents and maintain distribution lists.
Employee Education: Educate employees on the Library’s services and resources.
Knowledge Infrastructure: Contribute actively to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the knowledge infrastructure.

5. Community Information Specialist Accountabilities

Community Support: Respond to requests from the community for information about available programs, volunteer opportunities, and human service agencies.
Record Management: Maintain accurate records of calls received.
Data Entry: Request data from callers and accurately record it in the database.
Process Compliance: Follow the call process for quality or contract specifications.
Follow-Up: Perform follow-up contacts with clients or service providers.
Crisis Intervention: Speak with individuals in crisis, connect them to appropriate agencies, and/or de-escalate situations.
Public Relations: Help promote the center by occasionally participating in public relations efforts.
Message Management: Ensure email and after-hours messages are returned within 24 hours and provide necessary reports.
Emergency Coverage: Remain available for holiday or disaster response phone coverage.

6. Poison Information Specialist Functions

Poison Consultation: Provide telephone consultation for potential and actual poisoning emergencies.
Caller Communication: Talk calmly and in a caring manner with all callers and quickly gather all information needed to assess the situation.
Toxicology Knowledge: Understand toxicologic concepts and patient care as related to age, weight, and race.
Emergency Assessment: Accurately assess the severity of emergencies and effectively deliver treatment and referral information to aid the caller.
Suicide Triage: Participate in triage of potentially suicidal individuals and contribute to successful resolutions.
Follow-Up: Provide timely telephone follow-up for all potentially harmful exposures in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Case Documentation: Record and document all Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) interactions to fully document poison occurrences.
Information Recording: Collect and record poison information according to Texas Poison Center Network policies, standards of practice, and in compliance with AAPCC standards.

7. Information Technology Specialist Job Description

Device Management: Configure, install, monitor, and maintain IT users' desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone software and hardware, and support the mobile workforce.
User Consultation: Provide consultation to IT users for all aspects of end-user computing and desktop-based software.
Technical Support: Provide technical support and guidance through Tier 2.
Problem Documentation: Document solutions to problems.
OS Testing: Assist in testing and evaluating new operating systems (OS) and programs for the corporate environment.
Patch Management: Assist in maintaining the testing environment for OS patches and upgrades.
Technology Implementation: Assist in testing and implementing new technologies.
Software Upgrades: Assist in system-wide software and OS upgrades and conversions.
Security Applications: Install and maintain anti-virus and firewall applications.
Remote Access Support: Install and support remote access, including wired/wireless router configuration, VPN, RSA SecureID, and Remote Desktop Connection.
Software Installation: Assist in testing packaged software and upgrades to speed installations and to create silent, unattended installs.
Documentation: Create and maintain documentation.
On-Call Support: Provide occasional 24/7 on-call support for end users.

8. Cybersecurity Information Specialist Overview

Directive Implementation: Manage all actions necessary to implement Strategic Command Directive SD 527-1 (“DoD Information Operations Condition (INFOCON) System Procedures”).
Exercise Management: Provide management of all IA/DCO and INFOCON requirements for annual CFC/USFK exercises.
Conference Planning: Prepare and conduct exercise planning conferences.
Personnel Coordination: Coordinate and manage all IA/DCO-related support personnel augmentee requirements.
Clearance Support: Provide theater-level clearance and security clearance support and coordination for all augmentees and IA/DCO exercise support personnel.
MSEL Development: Develop and coordinate all IA/DCO exercise MSELs and their input into the JMSEL database.
Translation Coordination: Coordinate the translation of all MSELs into Hangul prior to input into the JMSEL database.
SME Services: Provide SME services to the IA/Cybersecurity Exercise Assessment Planner (EAP).
Team Scheduling: Coordinate the scheduling of IA/Cybersecurity assessment teams.
Briefing Execution: Execute and follow up on briefings and written reports.
Action Tracking: Track the completion of required follow-on actions suggested by IA/Cybersecurity assessment teams.

9. Sales Information Specialist Details and Accountabilities

Information Preparation: Prepare information formats and check the content with the responsible people.
Meeting Participation: Join meetings to inform salespeople and ensure that all information is also available online.
Information Follow-Up: Follow up on questions and ensure that online information remains up-to-date.
Platform Maintenance: Maintain current sales information platforms to support easy access to relevant and up-to-date information in the right tools.
Information Security: Support processes and guidelines for handling sensitive information with the right access level for the right people.
Sales Text Creation: Create sales texts in the agreed format in cooperation with relevant specialists to ensure the right quality.
Stakeholder Coordination: Check on commercial, technical, and technological aspects with the correct stakeholders.
Product Structure Updates: Keep in contact proactively with the product structure team so that with every product structure change, the sales texts are up-to-date.
Translation Support: Support the process of translation in all agreed-upon languages and support global uniformity in wording.
Marketing Specifications: Write marketing specs and implement them into the knowledge information system.
Price List Support: Support the creation and distribution of price lists sent to salespeople in accordance with the agreement made with the Sales Directors.

10. Health Information Specialist Tasks

Confidentiality Compliance: Maintain client confidentiality and security of health information in compliance with HIPAA and other pertinent Corporate Compliance regulations.
Referral Coordination: Receive and coordinate all referrals for new clients, including hospital discharges.
Data Entry: Input new client information into the Electronic Health Record.
Care Access Support: Work closely with Clinic Directors and Supervisors to ensure timely access to care for clients.
Regulatory Compliance: Collaborate with compliance and billing teams to develop ongoing methods for supporting staff to remain in compliance with OMH, Medicaid, and Medicare regulations.
Record Requests: Facilitate responses to requests for medical record information.
Audit Support: Support the Compliance team with auditing.
Audit Reporting: Issue reports on Compliance audits on a scheduled basis.
Committee Participation: Participate in organization-wide and organization-appointed committees to facilitate program initiatives and services to the community.
Policy Adaptation: Respond supportively to changes in programs and policies, taking a broad view of responsibilities and assuming additional duties when the need arises.

11. Admissions Information Specialist Roles

Department Collaboration: Collaborate with Information Technology, Admissions, and Graduate Departments as the point person for the customer relationship manager.
System Support: Ensure the customer relationship manager, student information system, imaging software, and other supported software function effectively to support Admissions and Graduate Departments’ processes and goals.
Process Development: Develop and implement processes using the student information system and CRM to support and manage communication functionality.
Data Analysis: Provide statistical and analytical consultation, reporting, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of information pertinent to administrative planning, decision-making, and admissions communication plans.
System Upgrades: Recommend changes and upgrades and support their implementation.
Upgrade Assistance: Assist Information Technology with system upgrades to ensure smooth transitions.
Report Creation: Create reports for Admissions staff and campus colleagues to support the creation and implementation of enrollment-related activities.
Data Integrity: Ensure the data integrity of the Admissions Office.
Standardized Reporting: Create standardized reports and lists to provide instant access to reliable admissions-related information.

12. Credit Information Specialist Additional Details

Portfolio Management: Assume portfolio assignment of customers with standard financial reporting and loan documentation.
Financial Data Entry: Spread fiscal year-end audits and related financial information into the financial database.
Financial Analysis: Perform this function with interim financial statements, projections, and prospective borrower financial information.
Covenant Compliance Review: Review annual audits and other borrower reports for compliance with affirmative, negative, and financial loan agreement covenants.
Compliance Monitoring: Maintain the system for monitoring borrower compliance, including entering new and modified covenants, recording receipt of required reports, calculating financial covenant ratios, and monitoring compliance with terms and conditions of loan agreements.
Non-Compliance Notification: Inform Relationship Managers and Credit Analysts when a borrower is not in compliance with the loan agreement.
Relationship Management: Develop and maintain professional relationships with internal customers, including relationship managers, credit analysts, and credit managers.
Periodic Review: Perform periodic reviews of borrower covenant requirements to ensure compliance with the monitoring system consistent with loan agreement requirements.
Team Contribution: Contribute to group initiatives and problem-solving efforts.
Special Projects: Participate in special projects and perform other duties.

13. Web Information Specialist Essential Functions

Content Creation: Create media content, presentations, and updates using HTML, CSS, WordPress, and Drupal.
Website Maintenance: Perform basic website maintenance tasks, including deploying updates and maintaining CSS.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members to achieve larger website goals beyond own expertise, including programming, video production, and related tasks.
Web Development: Collaborate with team members in the development of new web properties or the redevelopment of existing ones.
Graphic Support (Team Projects): Develop graphical assets in support of projects that other team members are engaged in.
Graphic Support (Own Projects): Develop graphical assets in support of own media content and web projects.
Event Media Support: Provide digital media production services and support at departmental events, including setup and monitoring of audio recording, videography, and lighting, and direct other team members, student workers, or volunteers.
Post-Event Processing: Process post-event media for distribution on the web.
Media Assessment: Assess outdated media content or damaged equipment and make professional recommendations and corrections, including repair or recommending repair services.
Equipment Maintenance: Inspect and maintain department-owned equipment, including A/V equipment loaned to students through the Checkout program.
Equipment Consultation: Provide expertise-based information to the Computing Manager on media equipment purchases and repair decisions.
Program Development: Assist in developing procedures and training for the Equipment Loan Program for students.
Student Supervision: Assist in supervising and directing student technology workers.

14. Web Information Specialist Role Purpose

Problem Resolution: Act independently to resolve user and software problems in office and classroom environments.
Hardware Support: Diagnose and resolve hardware problems.
Hardware Testing: Participate in testing and evaluating hardware.
Asset Management: Assist in maintaining the inventory of technology assets.
Documentation Creation: Create troubleshooting documentation and user training materials.
System Installation: Install, configure, and update systems and software for individual users and computing labs.
Software Deployment: Deploy software updates to computing systems.
Automation Support: Manage system disk images and create or modify scripts to automate installations and deployments.
Process Documentation: Create documentation of computing processes.
Digital Signage Management: Maintain department-operated digital signage integrating web, graphics, and computing.
Training Workshops: Provide in-class workshops and demonstrations of software and A/V equipment upon request.
Printer Operation: Maintain and operate the large-format printer.
Student Supervision: Assist in the limited supervision and direction of student employees and interns, including providing training.

15. Poison Information Specialist General Responsibilities

Poison Consultation: Receive telephone calls from the general public concerning poisoning victims as well as information requests, obtain and record pertinent information, analyze potential toxicity, determine type and severity of exposure, and recommend management plans.
Follow-Up Calls: Make follow-up calls at appropriate intervals, determine if recommendations were followed and whether additional procedures are warranted, provide additional information, and assess the outcome of the exposure.
Consultation Documentation: Document consultations, including completion of the medical record, computer-coded or online data form, and appropriate research protocol forms.
Professional Development: Pursue a program of professional development and participate in planning and presenting professional orientation, training, and continuing education.
Clinical Guidance: Provide comprehensive state-of-the-art information to health professionals regarding anticipated clinical course, diagnostic approach, interpretation of laboratory results, and appropriate invasive, supportive, and antidotal treatment recommendations.
Knowledge Enhancement: Enhance knowledge and skills through attendance at seminars, workshops, and by reviewing published literature.
Information Resource: Serve as an information resource person for health professionals, regulatory agencies, industry, and the general public.
Poison Center Contributions: Make significant contributions to poison center functions, including resource maintenance, poison prevention educational programs, clinical research projects, scientific manuscript preparation, quality assurance, data collection activities, and AAPCC projects and committees.
Toxicology Training: Provide toxicology training through direct supervision and online one-on-one teaching of health professional students, residents, and fellows.

16. Bank Information Specialist Key Accountabilities

Customer Needs Assessment: Identify customers' needs and reactions and make appropriate recommendations or take action to satisfy their needs or solve problems.
Call Handling: Handle telephone calls with professionalism and follow up on actions needed for each transaction.
Complaint Resolution: Handle service complaints or situations using effective problem-solving techniques and refer the most difficult cases to the Information Specialist Supervisor.
Product Support: Answer callers’ questions about bank products and services and strengthen potential bank relationships through effective phone skills.
Phone Services: Perform customer service duties over the phone, such as checking orders and account reconciliation services.
Internet Banking Support: Provide customers and bank associates with internet banking support, reset customer access, process Jump Start applications, and respond to secure mail messages.
Verification Processing: Complete Verification of Deposit forms and other deposit-related inquiries from government entities, financial institutions, and businesses.
Account Maintenance: Review daily reports and data entry forms, perform information verification and account maintenance, and initiate customer contact.
Mail Resolution: Receive and attempt to resolve undeliverable mail returned to the bank, research customer accounts for new addresses, obtain documentation before changing addresses, and collaborate with branch associates to resolve issues.
Loan Support: Respond to basic questions on loan products and services and forward more complex requests to the Loan Department.
Issue Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve customer issues in a professional and timely manner.
Customer Service Promotion: Promote quality customer service for both internal and external customers and encourage teamwork among bank departments and offices through referrals and support services.
Contract Services Support: Handle Contract Services calls, connect customers with the correct vendors, and transfer escalated calls to Contract Services representatives.

17. Release of Information Specialist Roles and Details

Request Management: Receive, sort, and distribute requests in the department accurately and promptly in accordance with work assignments.
Prioritization: Identify urgent requests accurately and prioritize them appropriately.
Authorization Validation: Validate requests and authorizations for release of medical information according to established procedures and in compliance with Federal and State regulations and guidelines.
Scope Compliance: Work within the defined scope of the position.
Record Release: Determine records to be released by reviewing the requestor information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines and obtaining patient data from electronic, off-site, or physical records that match the request, and log disclosure of information in the patient’s Health Record.
Billing Management: Generate invoices and collect payments for billable releases according to department guidelines and Federal limitations.
Call Response: Answer and respond appropriately to phone calls received in the department.
Process Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments to develop and maintain efficient release of information processes and protocols.
Record Retention Compliance: Maintain knowledge of and adhere to Federal, State, and company guidelines for retention and destruction of records.
Archiving: Participate in archiving paper and electronic health records.
Policy Adherence: Follow the work schedule and instructions from the supervisor, as outlined in policies and procedures.
Issue Escalation: Escalate issues to the direct supervisor who delays the timely release of records.
Confidentiality: Maintain patient confidentiality by keeping patient record information secure.
Compliance: Serve and protect the clinic community by adhering to professional standards, clinic policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local requirements.
Value Contribution: Enhance department and clinic reputation by accepting ownership of new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

18. Hedge Fund Information Specialist Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Fund Support: Provide support to GA EMEA teams on Fund coverage by recording, monitoring, and supporting Fund interaction within EMEA.
Coverage Support: Support coverage across hedge funds (Alternative Capital/Special Situations Funds), long-only Investment Funds, and Trading Desks.
Restructuring Support: Play a key role in supporting European Restructuring heads and their teams to monitor local restructuring activity amongst the Fund investor community, as well as M&A, Financing Advisory, and Equity Advisory colleagues on fund profiles and assets of interest.
Pitch and Transaction Support: Provide support for pitches and transactions by identifying appropriate funds and individuals at funds, acting as a point person for senior and junior bankers.
CRM Management: Develop and maintain critical Fund CRM updates and tracking tools.
Fund Profiling: Maintain Investment Fund profiles, including lists of target Fund relationships, AuM, and investment criteria.
Investment Tracking: Keep a record of known Fund investments and investee companies post-restructuring.
Meeting Records: Maintain records of meetings held, including access to sector banker input.
Reciprocity Tracking: Track reciprocity with hedge funds.
Opportunity Recording: Record opportunities shown to funds across EMEA, including financing, other transactions, and access to sector bankers.
Fee Tracking: Run a monthly process to track fees paid by Funds globally, covering the last three years and rolling LTM.

19. Release of Information Specialist Duties and Roles

Legal Request Support: Assist internal and external customers in fulfilling legal requests and serve as a resource regarding the release of information laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
Team Communication: Interact with others in a supportive and respectful manner and communicate effectively with team members as well as internal and external HIM customers.
Meeting Participation: Participate in section meetings and provide constructive feedback.
Team Assistance: Take the initiative to assist others and share knowledge with the team.
Time Management: Manage time effectively to meet established productivity standards and section timelines.
Information Compliance: Ensure patient health information is released only in accordance with State and Federal laws and hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
Hazard Communication: Communicate with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
Request Review: Review incoming requests for patient health information and screen for all required elements necessary to release information in compliance with State and Federal laws, determining the validity of authorization and type of request, and verifying the patient's or requester's identity.
Information Retrieval: Retrieve correct and complete patient information from clinical patient information systems in response to valid requests, verify the accuracy of information reproduced, and release it in a timely and secure manner by electronic, fax, or paper format.
Follow-Up Calls: Return calls to requestors and perform timely follow-up on requests.
Request Logging: Log requests, request status, and information released into the electronic Release of Information System and other secondary systems.
Billing and Reconciliation: Ensure accurate charging and posting of payable copy amounts and reconcile receipts and invoices.
System Logging: Log requests, request status, and released information into the electronic Release of Information Module.
Problem Solving: Control difficult situations, solve problems using established practices, rules, and laws, and exercise independent judgment when incidents vary from established procedures.

20. Records Information Specialist Roles and Responsibilities

Retention Scheduling: Assist departments with the creation and implementation of records retention schedules.
Schedule Coordination: Coordinate retention schedule change requests and implement records retention plans for off-site storage to ensure access to company records.
System Management: Manage the maintenance and support of the Records Management System, including implementing and testing new functionality.
Process Development: Collaborate in developing processes for accessing, storing, and managing electronic records, including assessing and suggesting potential technologies.
Procedure Revision: Contribute to revising Records Management procedural documents at both corporate and departmental levels.
SharePoint Maintenance: Assist with maintaining the Information and Records SharePoint site.
Project Participation: Participate in acquisition, divestiture, licensing, and workplace change projects.
Training Development: Partner in developing training for all aspects of the Information and Records program.
Vendor Coordination: Interact with off-site storage and supply vendors to provide second-line support for issue mitigation and remediation (moving and lifting archive cartons may be required).
Compliance Communication: Communicate directly with internal and external colleagues to ensure compliance and alignment with Information and Records best practices.
Helpdesk Support: Support global staff via the Records Management Helpdesk by training and assisting colleagues with all aspects of the archiving process.
Project Execution: Perform complex project-oriented duties and responsibilities from inception to completion.
Data Integration: Work with Records Managers to identify, consolidate, and integrate data into the RMS system.
Feedback Collection: Solicit feedback from internal users and customers to help drive a strong customer experience and proactively suggest solutions for process improvements and cost savings.
Center of Excellence Participation: Participate as a member of the Information and Records Center of Excellence.
Records Disposal: Support the records disposal process by reviewing Records Disposal Forms and initiating the disposal process with suppliers.

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