An Interdisciplinary Encounter Between Two Knowledge Domains: Library and Information Science vs Knowledge Management

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to develop a framework of the interdisciplinary encounter between two knowledge domains. The study adopted a case analysis of library and information science’s (LIS) encounter with knowledge management (KM). It examines the views of LIS academics and practitioners regarding their awareness of KM concepts, their responses to KM, factors influencing them to respond to KM, and issues related to the incorporation of KM into LIS. LIS has incorporated the core content of KM based on the combination of varying proportions of major perspectives and skill-sets of KM. It follows a partial adoption process through mutual borrowing of knowledge between LIS and KM. The findings suggest that LIS has encountered KM through recognizing KM, responding to it, and renovating the existing structure of LIS. Thus, the paper proposes a 3R model of the interdisciplinary encounter between two knowledge domains, where ‘R’ stands for Recognizing, Responding and Renovating. The model is original in nature broadening its scope from LIS and KM to the generalization of other disciplines. Finally, the paper provides some suggestions for the better integration of KM education and practice in LIS.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary encounter, Knowledge domain, Knowledge management, Library and information science