Knowledge management : emerging roles for library and information professionals

Abstract

Knowledge management is rapidly developing as a key area of concern for many organisations. Firms are realising that in order to survive and compete in today's white-water environment they must systematically organise and manage both their internal and external knowledge sources. All resources must be addressed-people, processes and technology. This increased interest in knowledge management has lead to the emergence of a number of new roles within organisations. Library and information professionals with their background, training and technical skills are well qualified to step into these roles. However, to be recognised as an asset rather than an overhead library and information professionals must become more proactive stance, promote themselves within the organisation and create strategic alliances. This essay will research the factors leading to knowledge management, investigate knowledge as a corporate asset, and examine the potential roles and implications the knowledge economy holds for library and information professionals.