Library and information professionals and knowledge management applications

This paper explains what "knowledge management" is, as it pertains to information users services, whether our libraries/information centers could benefit from KM, the factors that can make or break successful KM execution, how our libraries/information centers can ensure the ongoing success and the role of information professionals in KM. Knowledge management is a methodology for capturing, optimizing, delivering and maintaining a collection of information that provides guidance or action, and is of value to the organization. When the information professional has access to knowledge, they can quickly assist users with problems and inquiries. As a result knowledge management has become an essential practice within today's libraries and information centers. When combined with knowledge management, the libraries and information centers are able to improve efficiencies, increase satisfaction, and reduce the cost of service.