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This research explored the skills, knowledge and qualities, and professional education needs, of information professionals in galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) in Australia. With the advent of the digital environment, the role of the information professional has grown, but so too have the opportunities for making the collections of Australia's cultural heritage institutions available, including the increased ability for collaboration and convergence between institutions. The need to educate information professionals who can operate across these blurred cultural heritage boundaries is becoming paramount if [Australia is] to maximize the use of [the nation's] rich collections of cultural heritage information.

This research identified similarities in skills, knowledge and qualities using the Grounded Delphi method, a relatively new methodological extension of the Delphi method. It integrates aspects of Grounded Theory - particularly with respect to the data analysis - with the Delphi method, a group communication tool and a means to achieve consensus. The findings revealed that although full convergence of galleries, libraries, archives and museums is unlikely, many of the skills, knowledge and qualities would be required across all four GLAM sectors. However, some skills may require a 'change of focus' in the digital environment. The findings provide the first empirically based guidelines around what needs to be included in an educational framework for information professionals who will work in the emerging GLAM environment. A further recommendation is to consider establishing an undergraduate degree where the broader, cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge are taught in an Information Management/Informatics focussed program.

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