Sci-tech libraries within the knowledge management system: From information specialist’s viewpoint

Abstract

Many research institutions have been developing their knowledge management systems (KMS). This process may be facilitated if the existing sci-tech libraries are taken as basic element of this system, while the libraries’ task will be to transform itself from the institution providing information support into a knowledge managing entity. Today the structure of sci-tech libraries comprises the relevant book and journal collections, functioning electronic library systems and in-house digital collections of external and their own resources. Merging the traditional and electronic libraries into knowledge management system will produce a synergetic effect. Managing in-house databases, sci-tech libraries are potentially able to manage sci-tech, intellectual products and intellectual property which makes a functional KMS fragment. Managing both external and in-house scholarly and information resources, building single information space on organizational intranet-portal, perfectly chosen software — all these make the main conditions of successful incorporation of sci-tech libraries in the knowledge management system.