Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge.

• Author: EIRING, H. LARRY
• Position: Brief Article - Review

TITLE: Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge

AUTHOR: Jan Duffy

ISBN: 0-933887-80-9

PUBLISHER: ARMA International

PUBLICATION DATE: 1999

LENGTH: 270 pages

PRICE: $25 members/ $37 non-members

SOURCE: ARMA International Bookstore: www.arma.org or 888-241-0598

Today's information professionals face a myriad of challenges, including that of understanding the impact of knowledge management (KM) on their organizations and themselves. There has been considerable debate over the definition and value of KM and about the various proclamations of "KM solutions" in the marketplace. A proliferation of books and articles and even the offering of KM tools by such prominent companies as Xerox and Microsoft have not led to a clear understanding of KM. Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge brings KM into focus for the information professional.

Author Jan Duffy asserts that KM is grounded in principles, not technology, and that it is "a process for facilitating -- not controlling -- the creation, discovery, and distribution of knowledge." The book takes a practical approach to gaining insight into the corporate "know-how" and "harvesting" the vast experience held the members of an organization. By taking a practical and logical approach and using technology as an enabler, a KM program, can be successful, Duffy explains.

The book is well laid out in seven chapters that follow a logical progression. It sets the foundation by first providing KM definitions. These are followed by chapters about the organization of knowledge, guidelines for preparing a KM initiative, support processes, technologies, implementation issues, and future expectations. The chapters all begin with a statement of those issues that set the stage for the discussions that follow. The text is easy to read and is written for a reader with little or no prior KM knowledge.

Each chapter includes clear and useful graphics to illustrate concepts and terms being described. Some of the visual aids, such as "Knowledge Management Process" and "Knowledge Strategy Connections," are especially helpful for uninitiated information managers. In addition to the chapters, the book includes an appendix with checklists that will assist a user in developing a KM initiative. The checklists are clear, easy to understand, and useful tools for the KM project manager. There is also an extensive glossary of value to records and knowledge management professionals alike.

Duffy's...