This book focuses on the role of special libraries as knowledge management centres in their organisations. It describes the work of a special library and the special library draws on the characteristics that make the nucleus of collecting and organising knowledge which is used for the benefit of the institution. By acquiring and sharing knowledge, staff will enhance the intellectual capital of the institution. Traditionally libraries are the information centres that organise and classify information. Further on they are the proper places to create human networks and to organise the knowledge hidden in the minds of the staff. This book also examines methods to prove the value of a special library for the parent organisation when it becomes the centre to gather knowledge. - Draws on the characteristics that make a special library necessary for an organisation - Shows the importance of knowledge management in an organisational environment - Provides ways to persuade the management of an organisation that the special library is the proper centre for knowledge management

First Published in 1998. Formerly, a library was viewed as a place for information storage and information was viewed as simply bits of data. Furthermore, many wielded information as a tool of power, in that those who had more information had more authority. It is becoming increasingly clear that shared collective knowledge of an organization is of far greater value than that of each individual's privately held data. In view of the librarian's changing profession, it has also become clear that they are now being charged with the mission to explore and implement new and innovative methods to encourage sharing and to better manage information. The articles selected for this compendium are well thought-out and organized and are drawn from the fields of information and library science and business management. Since most special libraries are corporate libraries, the selections are taken from these different disciplines to provide perspectives from both a business standpoint and an information management one. The selections contain many different predictions about libraries and librarians of the future. They focus on new roles and highlight the importance of the profession. With the rapid growth of technology, end-users are being inundated with choices. They need expert advice from experienced practitioners. Currently, much of the literature focuses solely on the management of libraries as opposed to environment in which libraries operate. The purpose of this reader is to correct that.

First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Libraries/information centres are continuously evolving to keep up with rapid changes in information gathering, processing, and distribution. Corporate and non-profit special libraries face special challenges in revitalizing their physical space and providing efficient access to digital content. This book provides solo-librarians or special library managers with practical advice as to revitalize their libraries both in the physical space and the digital space. The book uses case studies, surveys and literature review to provide practical, innovative and evidence-based information to help special librarians develop information centres that will remain relevant to their organizations. - Written from an evidence-based perspective - Each section includes case studies, interviews or examples from libraries and librarians - Written specifically for special librarians

The management of knowledge created in an organization not only enables reuse of knowledge, but also adds value to the organization itself. Preventing duplication of intellectual effort, it saves economic and human resources, leading to the creation of new information. This book gathers the wisdom of knowledge managers and researchers in the context of the library and will be a valuable reference source for all libraries.

Learn why special or corporate libraries must align with their parent organizations in order to survive in these difficult economic times—and how to foster and demonstrate this critical relationship. Special Libraries: A Survival Guide analyzes what has happened—and is still continuing to happen—to corporate libraries in order to identify the strategies that must be taken to protect their staff's survival. Through a careful examination of a series of case studies of corporate library reductions and closures, authors James M. Matarazzo and Toby Pearlstein suggest key strategies, tactics, and survival tools that all types of special library managers can use to minimize their chances of becoming a victim. The book underscores the importance of collecting data as a survival tool. Additionally, it identifies what needs to be taught to students currently enrolled in library and information science (LIS) programs to give them a leg up in careers. This advocacy book is essential reading for staff at special/corporate libraries in the English-speaking world who wish to retain their positions, but it also contains information applicable to today's academic, public, and even school libraries. It is appropriate for students in the field of library and information science, LIS faculty, and corporate executives responsible for the management of the information function.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the information profession. The series IFLA Publications deals with many of the means through which libraries, information centres, and information professionals worldwide can formulate their goals, exert their influence as a group, protect their interests, and find solutions to global problems.

Most vols. include Proceedings of the Special Libraries Association.

The digital age has transformed the structure and management of libraries around the world. With an increased focus on technology and its use in library management, library professionals seek the best practices and management systems to implement in specialized library settings. Special Library Administration, Standardization and Technological Integration presents the latest scholarly research on the existing and emerging trends in special library management including technological advancements, the importance of social media outlets, and the necessary professional practices to maintain efficiency and success within a library setting. This publication is an essential reference source for academicians, researchers, librarians, and advanced level students interested in the management of special libraries in the digital age.