Knowledge management and the information professional

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Owen, John Mackenzie^;

Affiliations: University of Amsterdam, Singel 425, NL-1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 20 5252294/2051; Fax: +31 20 5252097 | TICER, P.O. Box 4191, NL-5004 JD Tilburg, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 13 4668310; Fax: +31 13 4668383; E-mail: mackenzie.owen@kub.nl

Abstract: Knowledge management is a new discipline which aims to base the design and work processes of organisations on the knowledge requirements and opportunities of the dynamic global economy. Knowledge Management has an impact on all areas of the organization and therefore should be a top management responsibility. However, due to the apparent attractiveness of the concept, it has been taken on board by many sub-disciplines. Information professionals belong to those who feel that they have a right to claim responsibility on their own for knowledge management. By doing so, they tend to neglect the more far-reaching importance of this new concept. In this presentation we shall argue that information management and knowledge management or quite distinct concepts. However, we shall also argue that information management can fulfill an important role within the broader concept of knowledge management. We shall point out the areas in which this is the case, and discuss the best approach for information professionals to contribute in this area.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-1999-19103

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 7-16, 1999