Exploration of the Field of Knowledge Management for the Library and Information Professional

This study is an attempt to isolate and describe the field of knowledge management in terms of its relevance for library and information science professionals. In addition to readings, several interviews were completed with people who are working in the knowledge management field. This study is intended to be an overview to assist LIS professionals in grasping the essence of this subject and to suggest ways in which knowledge management may continue to affect the LIS field in the near future. First, a brief overview of the origins of the field and some suggestions of why it persists in the face of numerous challenges will be provided. Following that will be an attempt to deconstruct the terminology surrounding knowledge management and give shape to its basic components. Next, the aforementioned numerous challenges will be considered, and finally the role of the LIS professional will be discussed.