Who is an information craftsman?
An information craftsman is a craftsperson or a worker skilled in information science or a closely related area of study. Information can be described as data that has been processed in a manner that is meaningful to the person who receives it for use. Information science deals with the creation, use, organization, preservation and retrieval of information for various uses. Under the supervision of senior officers, information craftsmen compile records, sort, shelve, receive and issue information materials to various users among other duties.

Other closely related title(s)

1. Information clerk
2. Library clerk/ assistant
3. Records management clerk/ assistant
4. Archive clerk

What is the work environment?
Information craftsmen work indoor; in libraries, offices and information centers among other areas

Some important skills to have
Information craftsmen should have various skills, qualities and traits that are essential in the workplace. Some of them are listed below.

1. Communication skills to communicate effectively with information users
2. Willing to update their information knowledge with changing technology
3. Interpersonal skills to work well with colleagues as well as the public
4. Problem solving skills in order to solve customers’ information related issues
5. Interest in reading, as this is a core function of information centers
6. Basic computer skills
7. Research skills
8. Customer service skills
9. Organization skills
10. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Information craftsmen can find information related jobs in various establishments such as; school libraries in both public and private schools, other learning institutions, public and private libraries, information centers as well as within information departments in various organizations both in private and public sectors.

With experience, information craftsmen can also apply their creativity and launch their own information related businesses.

Becoming an information craftsman

Minimum admission requirements
A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D (plain) and above is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for a relevant craft certificate course. Craft courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

So what course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Craft certificate in information studies
2. Craft certificate in information science
3. Craft certificate in archives and information sciences
4. Craft certificate in library information science
5. Craft certificate in information studies (library science)
6. Craft in library science
7. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
Upon a successful completion of a craft certificate course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if you like. How is this possible?

1. Get a craft certificate
2. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to degree certificate, (in a relevant field)

How to Join TVET College.
There are two ways you can follow to join training institution(s) in pursuit of your career of choice. The majority way is applying through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps). This is a state owned agency that admits/ places government sponsored students to TVET colleges and universities. One of the advantages of applying through Kuccps is that, upon successful placement, you will pay subsidized fee as a government sponsored student.

To be placed through Kuccps you must have attained a certain pass mark required for various education levels such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and artisan courses. For a craft certificate course, you need a minimum of KCSE mean grade D (plain) and above. For more details on placement criteria, visit Kuccps website. The second approach is applying directly to training institution of your choice. Students who opt to apply this way do not get government fee subsidy and are therefore self-sponsored.

How to fund your post-secondary education.
If you are a needy student, upon application, you can get education loan from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), a state owned institution that gives education loans to students joining technical colleges and universities. You can also access education bursaries from your local Member of Parliament (MP) or the County Government among other sources.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.

Before you make any career choice, or commit yourself to any career or study option, be sure of what you are doing. It is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.

Need more information? We can provide you with additional career and education related information to meet your individual needs.