Information and knowledge management is relatively new field, emerging as a formal discipline in the mid-1990s. Since then, though, hundreds of companies have drawn on knowledge management information to share employee knowledge and experience, and in doing so, also increase interaction and collaboration between employees and departments.

Knowledge management views intellectual capital as a resource just like financial capital, and knowledge management research examines the best ways for sharing it for the benefit of all.

Possible sources of knowledge management include:

1. White papers and case studies.
2. Organizations dedicated to knowledge management resources.
3. The websites of companies who have implemented knowledge management.

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

Find research on knowledge management through professional organizations

Despite the relative youth of the knowledge management field, there are already several societies and organizations dedicated to educating others about the process. Through them, you can connect with and learn from other knowledge management professionals, in addition to learning about the field through the articles and other resources offered on their websites.

I recommend: The Knowledge Management Benchmarking Association brings together knowledge management professionals from a variety of industries, and offers a free membership and newsletter. The Knowledge Management Professional Society offers several members-only resources, such as discussion boards, white papers and networking opportunities.

Search for case studies and white papers featuring KM information

If you want a play-by-play examination of what's involved in implementing a knowledge management system, you may find everything you need in a case study or white paper. These documents offer an in-depth look at a company's experiences with knowledge management, including the challenges they faced, what benefits they received (or any negative impact), and what they learned from the process.

I recommend: Browse the collection of knowledge management case studies at The Knowledge Management Resource Center. Step Two Designs features several knowledge management case studies, sorted by business category, on its website.

Find information on knowledge management education and certification

The ultimate knowledge management reference is your own education, and if you're considering implementing knowledge management, it may be worth it to invest in knowledge management education. You'll likely retain the information better than if you just casually read it, and you'll be able to come back and share what you've learned with your colleagues.

I recommend: The Knowledge Management Institute offers training and certification through private, in-house workshops available around the world. KMCI offers in-house programs, one-day workshops and distance learning options.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you find relevant research sources on knowledge management, share this information with your employees, so they can better understand the process and learn how to contribute to it. Consider putting links to these resources on the company website or in an email, so everyone can have access.