Librarian to KM

I have been thinking lately about the skills I gained as a librarian that have assisted me in my move into a knowledge management role. It is interesting that knowledge management practitioners come from varied backgrounds - HR, IT, business improvement, libraries and information management.
The role itself changes depending on the organisation, industry and job description. From my perspective, it was good luck that I had had some new experiences* in my previous role in a large government agency in addition to my library training and experience and these new skills, matched what my new employer was looking for. 

These are some of the library-related skills and experience that have been useful in my new role:

• information management - I have an odd desire to manage information: to identify, classify and provide access to it. This is somewhat easier in a library where the information you are managing is generally externally sourced or purchased (books, articles, subscriptions, online databases etc). As a knowledge or information manager the range of information, systems and knowledge is broader, and often more difficult to quantify and even to identify. Of course there are exceptions to this and it depends how broadly the libraries responsibilities extend in an organisation and how widely an information manager's control extends. However there are fundamental challenges or tasks associated with managing information in any form; such as quality, access - providing a federated search or one-stop shop for information, mediation - managing information overload and providing appropriate tools and processes around information. Sound familiar? Acquire, organise and disseminate? 
• records management - record keeping obligations under the Archives Act are also part of my role as a knowledge manager in a government department. As a librarian I wasn't aware of the extremely complex and stringent guidelines set by the National Archives of Australia (NAA), I was, as all librarians would be, aware of the importance of information and it's value as a record for legal proceedings, as a historical record and a record of business transactions and also in some cases just for their intrinsic value.
• customer service - I guess working in retail helped also, but librarians definitely benefit from this skill. Good communication skills, understanding what people need, being approachable and helpful, all of these are key in libraries. 
• Basic IT and systems experience. My current role includes content management for a website and intranet. In my previous library role I worked a lot on an organisational wiki and was able to build skills in basic html.

I know there are lots of opportunities for librarians looking for a career change and km is just one option. In this climate with special libraries being reduced in size or closed altogether, it may be important to start looking at what skills are best to cultivate. I can see a future for academic and public libraries, not sure about other special libraries, they appear to be slowly diminishing?

*User testing, social media experience, change management, project management, systems and IT basics

NBN and the Digital Divide

While doing subjects on the Digital Economy and the Information Environment for Uni last semester, it was interesting to delve deeper into the debate around the NBN roll out in Australia.

I have just come across this article which explains the broader issue of broadband availability and the importance of Internet access in our evolving digital society. The reduction of the digital divide* in Australia should be a priority for the Government (National Digital Economy Strategy) and needs to focus on education and equal access. Public libraries and schools should be key players in this debate along with the community groups who are currently on the wrong side of the divide; remote, elderly, low income etc. Unfortunately the debate appears to be around dollars spent and helping the economy and business. This is also important but will happen anyway - it is a benefit or bi-product of having an inclusive policy for a digital society. We should all have access to services and information provided online, whether at home or from a public library (or similar institution). We will also all need to know how to use the technologies, find the right information and use that information to be a part of this society and the digital economy.

Image from the Illawarra Mercury

Then there is the question around "what if I don't want to have a computer, broadband connection and online access?" Will there be an online or digital backlash? It is clear that those without access to the Internet and a computer are increasingly going to miss out on key services such as banking (as banks move online and close branches), cheaper books and magazines via eBooks and Government services and information. Health services are a focus for the government going forward with GP consultations online for house bound and elderly patients. Is this fair? Should we be forcing users to access essential services and information online? Will this further alienate or isolate individuals, communities and groups?

I wonder if the slow food movement, home-grown veges, more sustainable and less consumer focused trends will spill over to the online community. Not everyone wants to go home after being on a PC all day and then log on at home. Some can't afford it or don't want to learn about new technologies, some of us just can't keep up; MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest, Twitter, Blogger, Google+.......... Maybe some sections of society will disengage from the online community in protest or for the need of a simpler, slower paced and more personal lifestyle?

*See Allens Consulting Group Report to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy report "Quantifying the possible economic gains of getting more Australian households online" November 2010 The study also found evidence of a ‘Digital Divide’ among certain social groups. P. 5

Without internet skills, older Australians will miss out on so much by The Hon. Susan Ryan. AO

UK Scholarly Reading and the Value of Library Resources JISC Collections

First month

So, I am new to KM.

People at work ask me 'what is knowledge management?' (my predecessor was an information manager). So far this is how I answer: I take a high level view of all of the internal information generated within the organisation. Hopefully from this I can improve processes and systems to increase the use and value of the information and knowledge that is generated by the people within the organisation. That was my interview response anyway..... Try explaining that to your massage therapist! I thought explaining what a modern (non-public) librarian did was difficult.

This means that I have to consider the systems that manage the information and knowledge, be able to identify and classify the information itself and influence the culture of the organisation. I think this last one is the most important aspect. If we don't have a 'learning culture' or one that encourages knowledge sharing, my job may as well be that of records manager, systems librarian or intranet designer (all specialist jobs that others could do better than I). So, I have to work closely with the IT, HR and Communications and Marketing teams as well as the staff who produce most of the 'information' that the organisation exists to create.

Why am I blogging about this? In the past 4 weeks I have been searching online, talking to people and generally faffing about trying to uncover a KM network or forum that will help me develop the skills I need in this role. Mainly I have learnt that KM theory is a bit beyond me at this point and that the practical help I need may be harder to locate. It appears that the tasks or responsibilities of KM and IM staff differ vastly among organisations and industries and depend on the needs of the employer. I will be exploring that more on this blog and hope to be able to share some of my learning and also to bring together others who in some capacity (whether it be through libraries, innovation, business improvement, information management, knowledge management or any other area or title) face the same challenges.

If anyone is out there, do you have any tips, something I have missed? Feel free to comment or to get in touch offline to share your experience or join with me in my learning.

Knitting Monkey