Special Libraries as Knowledge Management Centres

by Eva Semertzaki

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780632667
Publisher:	Chandos Publishing
Publication date:	06/24/2011
Series:	Chandos Information Professional Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Eva Semertzaki is the Deputy Head of Library Section at the Bank of Greece, holding a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College, Boston, MA. She is the editor of Synergasia, and Editorial Advisory Board Member of The Electronic Library. She has published articles in Greek and in English on library journals and has lectured at library conferences and seminars. She has translated, in Greek, library standards and guidelines from IFLA and ALA, as well as best practice guidelines resulted from European Union library programs. Member of: IFLA, ALA, Greek Library Association and Association of Fulbright Scholars.
Eva Semertzaki is the Deputy Head of Library Section at the Bank of Greece, holding a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College, Boston, MA. She is the editor of Synergasia, and Editorial Advisory Board Member of The Electronic Library. She has published articles in Greek and in English on library journals and has lectured at library conferences and seminars. She has translated, in Greek, library standards and guidelines from IFLA and ALA, as well as best practice guidelines resulted from European Union library programs. Member of: IFLA, ALA, Greek Library Association and Association of Fulbright Scholars.

Table of Contents

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