They select which websites, electronic bulletin boards, search engines, and keywords to use to achieve appropriate results. They clip the text and data that are pertinent to the inquiry.
Some technicians also analyze the information and write abstracts, summaries, or reports.
These technicians may specialize in a particular subject matter or respond to all types of inquiries. To gain knowledge in a wide variety of topics, persons interested in this career should pursue an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Additional coursework that develops research skills, knowledge of information systems, word processing skills, computer database skills, and knowledge of the Internet will be helpful. As both personal and commercial usage of the Internet increases, demand for this occupation will increase.