Knowledge management for library building design
| Pages | 2-12 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2015-0034 |
| Published date | 11 January 2016 |
| Date | 11 January 2016 |
| Author | Zhixian Yi |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Knowledge management for
library building design
Zhixian Yi
School of Information Studies, Charles Sturt University,
Wagga Wagga, Australia
Abstract
Purpose –In the digital age, constant changes in libraries inform contemporary building design.
An innovative library building design is a complicated process and can be viewed as a continuous
process of the use of tacit and explicit knowledge and innovative tools and approaches. Knowledge
management (KM) can bring about the much needed innovation, and transform tacit knowledge to
explicit knowledge. For the design of a library to be successful, it is necessary to apply KM to library
building design. The purpose of this paper is to look at key change impacts, to explore how to manage
knowledge in building design and to identify key design principles.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper looks at key change impacts, explores how to manage
knowledge in library building design and pinpoints design principles.
Findings –This paper finds that KM can be vital to library building design, and it can be used in all
stages: to examine the internal and external environments, transform tacit knowledge to explicit
knowledge by using portals, and analyze existing and future issues and trends. When effectively used,
KM will result in innovative design strategies and also will reduce the time and costs of the building
design and plan processes. The main principles of library building design are flexibility, accessibility,
safety and security, applicability, adaptability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Practical implications –This paper provides a useful overview of how to manage knowledge in
library building design and design principles.
Originality/value –The views, discussions, and suggestions will be of value to improve the
effectiveness of library building design.
Keywords Application, Knowledge management, Change impacts, Design principles,
Library building design, Tacit and explicit knowledge
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
In the digital age, information technologies are rapidly developing. Web 2.0 and social
networking tools have changed and improved the way in which libraries send, receive,
and exchange information and knowledge. The shift from print to online and the
popular use of electronic resources such as e-books and e-journals result in the decrease
of the number of physical books and journals. Libraries are facing the changing social,
economic, political, technological environments, and the increased demands from
clients. In order to be aligned with the changing environments and clients’need
expectations, some libraries are being renovated or added. Some new libraries are being
designed and constructed to meet the increased needs among communities.
An innovative library building design is a complicated process and can be viewed as
a continuous process of the production, use, dissemination and re-use of professional
knowledge (Thuesen et al., 2002), tacit and explicit knowledge, and innovative tools and
approaches. During the design process, tacit knowledge is produced and should be
fully used to reach the design effectiveness. Knowledge management (KM) can bring
about the much needed innovation and improved design performance, and transform
tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge (Yi, 2008). For the design of a library to be
successful, it is necessary to apply KM to library building design. However, little is
Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 1/2, 2016
pp. 2-12
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-06-2015-0034
Received 4 June 2015
Revised 24 November 2015
Accepted 27 January 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
2
LM
37,1/2
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