The fields of cultural studies, neuroscience, and management convince us of the importance of integrating pertinent insights into knowledge management (KM) practice. This guided study, commitment... Show More

The fields of cultural studies, neuroscience, and management convince us of the importance of integrating pertinent insights into knowledge management (KM) practice. This guided study, commitment and follow-through is essential for survival in our knowledge economy. 20th century professional interpretations of how Descartes' philosophy has influenced culture help us to realize that westerners are collectively used to ignoring or hiding feelings. We also learn from current neuroscience research that paying attention to our feelings is key to our continued employment as library staff. With proven techniques developed by Watkins (2014), the author shares how, with simple attentional skills, we can heighten our senses so that data generated by feelings are escalated to the higher functioning brain areas that have evolved to incorporate them into our decisions, motivating us to act well. Individual emotional development of staff, as guided by mature leaders who have mastered the concepts and practices in this approach is conducive to better on-the-job performance. A method of knowledge management (KM) called expert practitioner-focused communities of practice (CoPs) readily incorporates the proven prerequisites to KM success. As it turns out, attention to emotions makes it much easier to succeed.

Knowledge Management (KM) on its surface may appear to be a dichotomous dis-synchronization with Community of Practice (CoP) development. KM is systematic and intentional, and presumes the defined... Show More

Knowledge Management (KM) on its surface may appear to be a dichotomous dis-synchronization with Community of Practice (CoP) development. KM is systematic and intentional, and presumes the defined body of facts. CoP, on the other hand, is based, as its name intends, on skill-based practice. It is the above over-simplified definition, though, that prompted the case study referred to herein. CoP based on and drawing from KM principles can be a strong foundation for CoP community development. This article uses findings from previous case study research to apply findings to the library professional / paraprofessional negotiated CoP.

The role of librarians today continues to evolve in response to the needs of their academic community. Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is one example of an untapped arena for outreach and... Show More

The role of librarians today continues to evolve in response to the needs of their academic community. Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is one example of an untapped arena for outreach and instruction for librarians. To fully embrace this new facet of contemporary research and academic work will require librarians to learn new skills and utilize creative, big-picture thinking to create services and guidance for the faculty and students that they serve. This article will provide an introduction to PKM theories, exploring some of the key tools that support PKM practices. The article will present several examples illustrating some of the outreach and instruction opportunities for librarians as well as exploring some of the possible future directions of PKM where librarians could play a vital support role for their academic communities.

This article suggests IM (instant message) and SMS (short message service) reference strategies based on the stance of rhetorical listening in an attempt to create in digital communication... Show More

This article suggests IM (instant message) and SMS (short message service) reference strategies based on the stance of rhetorical listening in an attempt to create in digital communication environments in which both patrons and reference librarians can utilize similar affordances that they might encounter in a face-to-face interactions, for instance, especially nonverbal communication. Drawing upon research in computer-mediated communication, the social sciences, and library studies, the author suggests four specific strategies for beginning implementation of rhetorical listening into IM and SMS reference: material sensitivity, syntactic mirroring, emoticon use, and professional ethos awareness.

This article describes a pilot project of enhanced virtual reference services through a multifaceted model of services that includes the addition of Skype reference. The project was created as a... Show More

This article describes a pilot project of enhanced virtual reference services through a multifaceted model of services that includes the addition of Skype reference. The project was created as a response to a growing need for advanced liaison services to the College of Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington, which predominantly consists of online students. The number of online nursing students and degree and certificate programs offered by the university has grown exponentially in current and previous years, making this a particularly significant case study. Detailing of the method used to respond to user needs and of the outcome of the project will further the conversation about supporting online student success.