Competing with Knowledge: The Information Professional in the Knowledge Management Age

Citation

Morris, A. (2001), "Competing with Knowledge: The Information Professional in the Knowledge Management Age", The Electronic Library, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 261-265. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2001.19.4.261.1

The aim of this book is to “stimulate information professionals to explore the potential impact of knowledge management (KM) on their work and career”. It is directed at those seeking a career change into KM, information professionals wanting to know more about this field and how it might affect them, and students. Drawing heavily on research reported in Skills for Knowledge Management: Building a Knowledge Economy published by TFPL in 1999, the book focuses on the role of information professionals and the opportunities that arise in a KM environment to utilise information management skills creatively.

The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 sets the knowledge context and has chapters on “the changing nature of competition” and the “emerging knowledge environments”. Issues covered include, for example, the knowledge economy, globalisation, e‐commerce, e‐business, total quality management, the value of intellectual capital, knowledge management, and people, process and technology issues. The remaining chapter in Part 1 examines the approaches and features of knowledge‐based organisations, such as the creation and sharing of knowledge, leadership, partnership and team working. Part 2 examines the creation of knowledge‐based environments with chapters on “integrating information and knowledge”, “’roles in the knowledge environment”, “KM skills and competencies” and “information literacy”, which the authors recognise as a core competence for any organisation moving into KM. Part 3 examines the role of information management (IM) in KM and presents many useful tips on how information professionals can take advantage of the opportunities afforded by KM. Part 4 presents case studies in the private and public sector.

In general, this is a very readable and interesting book. However, there are a few “niggles”. First, I found the way generic roles within KM environments are described confusing because different categories and terminology are used for them throughout the text and the appendices (see pp. 94‐95, 101‐104, 107, 113 and 124). Second, “spider” diagrams are frequently used for the presentation of results. While these look “pretty” at first glance, they can be difficult to interpret. Page 113, for example, presents a complicated, cluttered diagram of the skills required by three KM roles. Three lines representing the different roles spiral around concentric circles, without scales, while no fewer than 18 skills form the axes. Third, occasionally the authors repeat themselves. The list of core competencies for knowledge cultures on p. 111, for example, is repeated on p. 173 as core skills and attributes for KM environments. Similarly, discussion about “information audits” can be found in two places.

In discussing the low expectations and perception of the role of information professionals by potential employers, the authors offer a number of reasons why this might be the case and ask the question “Is it because they are aware that the entry requirements to LIS academic courses are comparatively low?” Historically this may have been correct but is it still true today? Many traditional library schools have now adapted their programmes to reflect the needs of modern employers and attract highly qualified students. Programme revisions in the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University in the UK, for example, have led to an 80 per cent increase in undergraduate applications. Competition at postgraduate level also means that almost all of them come with either a first or an upper second, first degree. Clearly, there is potential for information professionals to market themselves more effectively.

Despite these “niggles” the book is generally well presented, contains much useful information and is recommended reading, especially by those information professionals seeking new opportunities and challenges in the KM field.