Role and Contribution of Corporate Information Centers toward KM Initiatives: An Analysis of Managers' Perceptions

Abstract

Knowledge, since the late 1990s, has been increasingly seen as a primary business asset, while knowledge management (KM) has been perceived to be the key differentiator between firms in terms of their sustainability, profitability, innovative capacity, and change management. The reason for this interest in knowledge management is the belief that knowledge and its applications are the means by which creativity can be fostered (Nonaka and Nishiguchi, 2000), innovation enabled (Hargadon, 1998), and competencies leveraged so as to improve overall organizational performance. Since knowledge has become the driving force for economic development, attention to the organization and management of information and knowledge has increased tremendously. The knowledge management discourse has also captured the attention of professionals working in the library and information sector. In recent years, a body of literature has emerged that explicitly addresses knowledge management from the perspective of library and information professionals (Broadbent, 1997; Nicholson, 1997; Loughridge, 1999). This literature carries a key assumption that library and information professionals have an important role to play in knowledge management. KM is also assumed to be an instrument in enhancing professional image and role of the information professionals. Yunhua (1999) makes a clear case for library development from the perspective of knowledge management.