READIT - 2009 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

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8.3. Deployment of the KM System
Selection of the right, nontrivial and representative pilot project and
implementation of it to precede the introduction of a full-fledged KM system is
important. Implementing a pilot project will give clear feedback about the difficulties
encountered during execution and alternate solutions to the difficulties. The system
should allow room to incorporate user feedback, prioritize and implement change
requests, and finally deliver a real project. KM requires enthusiastic leadership to
motivate the employees to use the system and contribute to its enthusiastic adoption.
The implementation should also ensure the involvement of the user community at all
times, pay specific attention to knowledge quality, and effectively market the KM
system across the organisation.
8.4. Performance Evaluation of the KM System
Once the previous three phases are completed successfully, both financial and
competitive impacts of KM should be measured. Selecting the appropriate metrics is
important in measuring the performance of the system.
9. ROLE OF LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS
Library functions are considered as the heart of knowledge based organization.
Knowledge based organizations such as an institution of higher education insists on
effective library and knowledge services.
The new networked electronic environment has deeply affected the world of
information and has an immediate impact on the role of information professionals. The
communication network reveals patterns of communication throughout the
organization. Effective library managers should develop skills in using each kind of
network to collect and transfer organizational knowledge. Commitment to staff
training is an important part of both knowledge management and library services.
KM primarily deals with organizing and maintaining information and
knowledge within an organization. The librarians should be familiar with
communication networks and technological tools of information management. The
professionals may use internet to the fullest extent for organizing and managing
knowledge.
It is important for information professionals to show success along with
progress made on more protracted efforts. KM is an excellent opportunity to elevate
the libraries position in an organization and this is high time that the library
professionals have to develop their skills in knowledge management and to enhance
their tacit and explicit knowledge management.
Academic librarians can benefit their institutions, their libraries, and
themselves by undertaking a campus wide role in managing organizational knowledge
using the knowledge management.