Libraries as knowledge management centers
| Pages | 176-189 |
| Date | 01 May 2005 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120510596035 |
| Published date | 01 May 2005 |
| Author | Kevin R. Parker,Philip S. Nitse,Kay A. Flowers |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Libraries as knowledge
management centers
Kevin R. Parker
Department of Computer Information Systems, Idaho State University,
Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Philip S. Nitse
Department of Marketing, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA, and
Kay A. Flowers
Eli M. Oboler Library, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper proposes enhancing libraries to act as knowledge management centers for
small businesses, providing both knowledge management (KM) and competitive intelligence (CI)
services.
Design/methodology/approach – The requirements for a Library Knowledge Management Center
(LKMC) are presented and briefly examined. KM, CI, ontologies, and the Semantic Web are all
considered, and the steps needed to realize a LKMC are presented.
Findings – An approach to developing a LKMC is provided, as is a rationale for the proposal. Future
research issues for realization of this proposal are addressed.
Research limitations/implications – This paper presents a conceptual overview of a project that
is still in its early stages, and as such its practicality is difficult to evaluate.
Practical implications – This proposal, if followed up with future research, will prove beneficial to
both small business and to libraries. Small businesses are not always able to gather sufficient internal
and external knowledge to assist in strategic planning and positioning, and thus are unable to compete
with larger rivals whose resources allow them to develop sophisticated KM and CI systems. LKMCs
hold promise to level the playing field. Libraries benefit because this reaffirms their relevance in a
digital age in which so much information is freely available to patrons.
Originality/value – This paper proposes a new service for libraries, one that will assist small
businesses in competing more effectively with larger competitors.
Keywords Knowledge management, Digital libraries,Internet, Small enterprises
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
As libraries struggle with the fallout of the digital age, they must find a creative way to
remain relevant to the twenty first century user who has the ability and means of
finding vast amounts of information without setting foot in a brick and mortar library.
The internet and the proliferation of personal computers, both at home and at work,
has lessened the need to visit the local library to look up information that had once
been available only there. The freely accessible information on the web, in conjunction
with the escalating costs of library materials, threatens the traditional mission of
libraries to create and sustain large, self-sufficient collections for their patrons (Troll,
2002). In a seemingly unrelated arena, lar ge companies are developing and
implementing sophisticated knowledge management (KM) systems to capture , store
and disseminate much- needed information gathered from their internal and external
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
26,4/5
176
Library Management
Vol. 26 No. 4/5, 2005
pp. 176-189
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120510596035
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