The work of the documentalist consists of the search and organization of information on any field of knowledge. Faced with the need to know, the documentalist retrieves stories, gathers, and organizes data to build narratives in the form of books, films, documentaries, or exhibitions.
The work of the documentalist is essential in the process of gathering, organizing, and presenting information in a variety of formats. This professional is responsible for researching and collecting data from various sources and then structuring it in a coherent and understandable manner. Their work is crucial in fields such as education, research, journalism, cultural preservation, and knowledge dissemination.
Firstly, the documentalist faces the challenge of information retrieval. This involves exploring a wide range of sources, which may include historical archives, online databases, books, magazines, interviews, audio or video recordings, among others. Their ability to discern between reliable and relevant sources is essential to ensure the quality and accuracy of the collected information.
Once the necessary data has been gathered, the documentalist proceeds to organize it logically and coherently. This involves categorizing the information, establishing relationships between different elements, and determining the most suitable structure for the final product. This stage requires analytical and synthesis skills, as well as a deep understanding of the topic at hand.
Finally, the documentalist is responsible for presenting the information in an accessible and engaging manner for the target audience. This may involve creating books, films, documentaries, exhibitions, or any other format deemed appropriate. In this sense, the documentalist acts as a storyteller who uses different tools and techniques to effectively and persuasively convey stories.
In summary, the work of the documentalist is a multifaceted process that involves the search, organization, and presentation of information in various forms. Their work significantly contributes to the enrichment of human knowledge and the promotion of dialogue and understanding in society.