Special Libraries as Knowledge Management Centres

Dedication

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

About the author

Chapter 1: Special libraries

Abstract:

Introduction

What is a special library?

What is a ‘special librarian’?

Mission of special libraries

History of special libraries

Special libraries versus other kinds of libraries

Special Libraries Association

Characteristics of special libraries

Services of special libraries

From traditional library services to knowledge management

Clientele, clients, users

Collections

Competencies and skills of special librarians

Marketing

Funding

Relations with the parent organisation

Relations between library manager and library staff

Library performance

Knowledge management

Cooperation with peer libraries

Conclusion

Chapter 2: Knowledge management

Abstract:

Introduction

The concept of knowledge management

Knowledge versus information and data

Characteristics of knowledge management

Components of knowledge management

Personal knowledge management

Benefits of a knowledge management system

Steps to implement a knowledge management project

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Components of a knowledge management system at a special library

Abstract:

Introduction

The roots

The significance of knowledge management systems for parent organisations

Why special libraries are the right places for knowledge management centres

Types of knowledge management projects

Components of a knowledge management system

3 Taxonomy

Sharing internal knowledge

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Implementation of a knowledge management centre at a special library

Abstract:

Introduction

Challenges for special librarians

Competencies needed by special librarians for the knowledge management project

Getting support from the management of the parent organisation

Change management

Changing attitudes at organisational level

Knowledge management strategy

The knowledge management team

Getting started: steps to follow for the implementation of a knowledge management centre at a special library

Pilot project phase

Technology embedded

Security of the system

Success factors of the knowledge management centre

Internal cooperation

Communities of practice

User education and training

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Lessons learned, evaluation, marketing, and the way forward: case studies

Abstract:

Lessons learned

Benefits for the organisation

Benefits for the special library

Evaluation of the project

Promotion and marketing of the knowledge management centre

Things to consider

Things to avoid

Maintenance

The way forward

Case studies

Epilogue

Further reading

Index

This book focuses on the role of special libraries as knowledge management centres in their organisations. It describes the work of a special library and the special library draws on the characteristics that make the nucleus of collecting and organising knowledge which is used for the benefit of the institution. By acquiring and sharing knowledge, staff will enhance the intellectual capital of the institution. Traditionally libraries are the information centres that organise and classify information. Further on they are the proper places to create human networks and to organise the knowledge hidden in the minds of the staff. This book also examines methods to prove the value of a special library for the parent organisation when it becomes the centre to gather knowledge.

• Draws on the characteristics that make a special library necessary for an organisation
• Shows the importance of knowledge management in an organisational environment
• Provides ways to persuade the management of an organisation that the special library is the proper centre for knowledge management

Staff of special libraries, staff involved in knowledge management projects at corporations, institutions and organizations that operate a special library and at library schools that offer relevant courses at intermediate level