One of the best ways for knowledge management professionals to stay informed of industry news is to subscribe to knowledge management publications. There are many publications, trade journals and newsletters available that cover current trends in knowledge management; but rather than inundate yourself by subscribing to them all, you may want to pick and choose the ones that best meet your business's needs.

There is a huge selection of industry publications to choose from. Where some are very limited and cover specific topics, others give an overview of the whole industry and offer a variety of resources. The trick is to get the most information out of the fewest resources, thus saving you money and keeping you well informed without consuming all your valuable time. When choosing a knowledge management book, magazine or journal remember the following:

1. Some knowledge management magazines offer free trial subscriptions that you can take advantage of.

2. When subscribing to publications, find out what period your payment covers. Make sure you receive any back issues within the time period you're paying for. Some publications may just begin subscription with the current issue.

3. Order your KM magazine directly from its website, if possible, or you may miss out on subscription perks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Subscribe to a knowledge management magazine and take advantage of the perks

Many publishers offer discounted pricing with subscriptions, in addition to other perks. Check to see if they offer free trial subscriptions or copies. You may even be able to cancel your subscription without payment or penalty if you are not absolutely satisfied.

I recommend: KMWorld Magazine and CIO both offer free subscriptions to their publications, in addition to industry newsletters. CIO also offers a digital version of its publication, if you're interested.

Take advantage of knowledge management publications online

E-mags and web publications have evolved for the better, and there are many benefits to taking advantage of them. Not only are they readily available, the medium also allows publishers to compliment articles with multimedia resources. You may be requested to sign up as a member, but that can be an added bonus. You may get access to free sample copies, or access to journal archives.

I recommend: Inside Knowledge is a knowledge management guide that offers information portals, in addition to a "Communities of Practice" feature, as just a few of the online industry tools and resources available. KnowMap is a bi-monthly, web-based journal that features industry news and job opportunities.

Join a professional association for access to a knowledge management article, newsletter or journal

If you work in the knowledge management industry, you may consider becoming a member of an association for knowledge management professionals. As a member, you'll receive access to free publications, as well as other informational resources. If you sign up as a business, you can extend these services to your employees as well.

I recommend: KMCI and the Knowledge Management Professional Society (KMPro) are both knowledge management associations that offer online newsletters to members. As a member, you'll get access to additional industry tools and resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your local library for publications, as many subscribe to online databases that include knowledge management articles, journals and magazines.