Emerging trends in information and knowledge management

Abstract

Preface Information and knowledge have become the key pillars of national, organisational and individual performance, excellence, competitiveness, growth, innovation and impact. While information management is concerned with the lifecycle of information, knowledge management encompasses the processes, people, techniques and tools used to enhance the intellectual capital owned by individuals, groups and organisations in terms of their know-how, ideas, expertise, competencies and experiences. Essentially, knowledge management enables entities to make the best use of their knowledge assets. The value of knowledge to sustainable development is anchored on the fact that it is limitless; grows with use; and is not easily replicable.In spite of the fact that information and knowledge are core components of the socioeconomic structures of the modern society, many challenges still hamper their effective management, diffusion, utilisation and perpetuation. Various discourses are ongoing on how best to manage these critical resources in ways which enhance their application in the human efforts to increase economic productivity, social justice, safety and general wellbeing of people worldwide. Consequently, theories have been developed; best practices established; and lessons learnt. However, challenges still abound on how best to share, apply and validate these nuggets.This book is an integral part of this discourse through its 40 chapters authored by academics, professionals and practitioners in information and knowledge management. The chapters are structured around ten themes: Emerging Trends in Libraries and Information Centres; Knowledge Sharing and Diffusion; Indigenous Knowledge; Records Management; E-Governance; Information and Knowledge Management Education; Role and Impact of Information and Knowledge Centres Legal and Ethical Issues in Information and Knowledge Management; Social Media in Information and Knowledge Management; Digital Trends in Information and Knowledge ManagementThe uniqueness of this book lies in the fact that the authors of the chapters are drawn from diverse backgrounds, experiences and geographical contexts. This has enriched the content by creating diverse voices on the current and emerging issues in information and knowledge management. This approach ensures that the readers do not end up in restrictive echo chambers where they only access content which they are already familiar with. Similarly, it gives the readers an opportunity to readily find content on all the specialisation areas of information and knowledge management in one volume. The chapters were subjected to a rigorous scholarly publishing process to ensure that they contribute fresh and unique perspectives to the themes. In this regard, they were subjected to a plagiarism test using Turnitin software; double blind peer review by eminent scholars in the discipline; and a comprehensive copy editing. Therefore, we are convinced that they will make significant contributions to theory, practice and policy in information and knowledge management. We wish you an insightful reading.