Think Clearly Blog
Think Clearly Blog
Archival Project Scheduling Tips
Scheduling tips for archival projects include plan to achieve results within a specific timeframe but to offer flexibility add 10 percent extra time.
Knowledge Management Software Procurement; Insider Tips
Successful knowledge management software procurement and rollout requires thorough understanding of how technology products are reviewed and approved.
Museum Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Resources and Practices
Museum staff can adopt diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion statements and develop practices that help meet their DEAI-related intentions.
Special Library Reference Interviews: Basics of a Neglected Professional Skill
Special library reference interviews cover digital resources, packaging and adding value to responses,
and considering cost-value benefit(s).
Archival Project Planning: The Essentials
Archival project planning should be collaborative and focused on ensuring project support and
resources. Take enough time to plan an archives project.
Ensure KM Adoption by Offering a Great User Experience
KM expert Stan Garfield stresses KM adoption is driven by a great KM user experience; make it easy to access people, process and technology tools.
How to Build a Successful Museum Strategy
A successful museum strategy has 3 main components: operational, funding, digital. Departmental decisions are aligned with museum strategy as a whole.
Librarians and Technology Part 8: Active Reading and Focused Reference
Active reading sharpens special librarians’ reference and retrieval skills and is an essential aspect of integrating technology and reference.
Getting Started on Archival Projects
Archival project managers must ensure the transition from planning to activity is smooth, while keeping archives project time, cost, quality, balanced.
Inmagic Presto Takes Local History and Genealogy Public
Crawfordsville Public Library took its local history and genealogy digital archives to the next level with Inmagic Presto’s knowledge management tools.
5 Methods to Improve the Museum Digital Experience
5 main methods for improving museum digital visitor experience include practicality, visitor immersion, accessibility, mobile optimization and SEO.
Librarians and Technology # 7: Finite Reference Sources Equals Focused Research
Database query versus search engines: searching specific databases yields focused results. The best use of search engines is preliminary research.
How to Kick Off Your Archival Project
Archival projects must begin with a kickoff meeting so the archival project manager can set expectations, build commitment and define roles.
Inmagic Presto Connects Scientists with Lifesaving Research
Inmagic Presto knowledge management software connects transportation scientists with lifesaving research at The Center for Transportation Research (CTR).
The Top 4 Things a Museum Needs to Know About the Digital Visitor
Digital visitor data who, what, where, why helps museum online presence decision-making, strategic planning. Best collections management system statistics.
Characteristics of a Change Resilient Librarian
Special librarians thrive as end user needs and trends (new technologies, globalization, mobile workforce) demand change; be resilient, not resistant.
Archival Projects: Evaluating and Acknowledging Performance
Archival project managers should lead by motivation, trust the team, and inspire, evaluate and recognize archives project team member contributions.
Knowledge Management in Action: Inmagic Presto and Humanitarian Aid
Inmagic Presto knowledge management enables AAFPRS surgeons caring for children pro bono to leverage a secure, detailed patient database in the field. Example of knowledge management in action.
Museum Digital Collections User Types & Expectations
Museums must understand and address digital user types and digital visitor expectations as they develop museum digital collections and online presence.
Robots in Libraries: Technology Trends that Aren’t that Out-There Anymore!
Robots in libraries can provide a better research experience. Librarians should consider uses of artificial intelligence and robotics in special libraries.
Tracking Progress of Archival Projects
Project managers should track progress in archival projects, and use appropriate pacing. This helps project managers hone estimation skills.
Best Practice Knowledge Management is Content Plus Connection, Part Two
User generated content and Enterprise Social Networks are dramatically impacting the knowledge management supply chain; KM practitioners can leverage this trend.
Librarians and Technology Part 6: Active Listening Enhances Focus
Active listening in special librarian reference interviews is essential to monotasking and focus; avoid distraction librarians and technology.
Museum Online Presence: Critical to Income Stream
Healthy museums acquire income from several of funding streams; museum online presence plays a large part in keeping museums eligible for future funding.
How to Define Archival Project Roles
Archival projects offer archivists and archives project managers varying roles. Define archival project roles to ensure projects are more successful
Best Practice Knowledge Management is Content Plus Connection, Part One
Personal information consumption habits influence workplace knowledge management adoption; accommodate personal preference with your knowledge management system
Museum Social Media and the Museum Collections Management System
A museum collections management system is a major content contributor in a museum social media strategy. Museums should use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for digital media.
Machine-Based Active Listening in Libraries: Technology Trends that Aren’t that Out-There Anymore!
Machine-based active listening in libraries can provide a better research experience. Artificial intelligence in special libraries.
How to Build a Successful Archival Project Team
Archives project managers build a successful archival project team with the right combination of size, skills, experience and values.
Fundamentals of Knowledge Management
Definition of knowledge management, overview of KM origins, KM goals, fundamentals of knowledge management, value of knowledge management software.
Creating a Museum Grant Writing Roadmap for 2019
Successful museum grant applications require planning, applying for appropriate funding, prioritizing and timing. Museum grant writing project tips.
Librarians and Technology #5: Embracing Focus & Increasing Productivity
Special librarians must embrace monotasking when doing library reference research; do not let technology be a distraction. Increasing productivity as librarian.
Managing Expectations for Archival Projects: Tips for Archives Project Managers
Tips for archives project managers. Archives project managers must set and manage stakeholder expectations during archival projects to ensure it is successful.
Killer KM Apps Include Enterprise Social Networks (ESNs)
Stan Garfield’s ideas on “killer apps” that provide technology foundation for a successful KM program. Enterprise Social Networks can help user adoption.
5 Prompts to Prioritize Museum Digitization Projects
Digital museum collections management. When digital presence supports non-digital work, museums maximize benefits of museum digitization projects
Internet of Things and Libraries: Technology Trends that Aren’t “Out-There” Anymore!
Special librarians should consider the Internet of Things and Libraries: IoT will allow special library users to explore and consume content in different ways.
KM: 10 Elements of Effective Knowledge Ecosystems
A successful KM program must integrate with organizational culture, workflows and strategies. Knowledge Managers must build effective knowledge ecosystems.
How to Evaluate a Museum Digital Collection
As part of museum collections management, staff owe it to digital visitors to review and update past digitization work to promote accessibility, use, and enjoyment of museum collections online.
Predictions for Social Media in Libraries: Technology Trends that Aren’t “Out-There” Anymore!
Special librarians can leverage social media trends to brand and market library products and services.
Stakeholder Management in Archival Projects
Archival project managers should identify stakeholders they can trust, and recognize those who may cause them to lose traction.
Knowledge Management Best Practices: Reuse What’s Worked
Knowledge Management initiatives benefit when we observe what has worked for others—learn knowledge management best practices in a wide variety of KM settings.
The Importance of Sustainable Museum Cataloging & How to Achieve It
Catalogs must meet the needs of the museum and the wants of the audience; choose and implement sustainable museum cataloging rules and guidelines that fit both.
Machine-based Learning in Special Libraries: Tech Trends that Aren’t “Out-There” Anymore!
Machine-based learning in special libraries, e.g., harvest information from our databases and intranets and learn or predict our users’ behaviours.
Developing Leadership Skills with Archival Projects
Archival project managers must be good managers and courageous leaders, committed to success and influencing. Tips for showing leadership in archival projects.
Increasing User Adoption of Knowledge Management Tools and Technology
User adoption of Knowledge Management tools requires users agree there is a problem, what it is, and that KM technology will make work easier
3 Things to Look for When Choosing a Museum Collections Management System
Selecting a museum collections management system requires meeting today’s and tomorrow’s needs and choosing a vendor who meets all criteria.
Librarians and Technology #4: Troubleshooting Steps for Librarians
Troubleshooting steps for librarians include: listen, replicate problem, test logically, identify solution, help researchers.
Characteristics of Effective Archival Project Managers
Traits of effective archival project managers. Archives project managers must both work and manage, and must have the authority to make decisions.
Working Out Loud: Benefits for Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management often requires organizational culture change. Working Out Loud is one way to nurture KM organizational culture change.
To Be, or Not to Be: Virtual-Only Museums
Virtual-only museums react dynamically to changing trends, user-needs, and new technology. Works best when supported by robust museum collections management system.
Augmented Reality in Libraries: Technology Trends that Aren’t “Out-There” Anymore!
Augmented Reality in Libraries: AR technology is relevant for special libraries and can be used absolutely free to enrich the end user’s experience.
Digital Archives: How and Why to Write Digital Preservation Policy
Digital archives preservation works best with proper digital preservation policy, covering content, scope, file format, audience.
Proven Knowledge Management Methodologies
Six proven knowledge management methodologies to help knowledge managers demonstrate need for knowledge management as well as impact and benefits from Stan Garfield.
Museums in Financial Trouble: Sell, Close, or Plan a Museum Merger?
Museums suffering financial instability must make strategic decisions about selling, closing or merging, Examples of museum mergers with other institutions.
4 Ways Special Librarians Can Demonstrate Value and Impact
Special librarians too often hide much of the true professional added value of their work. To mitigate that, I think the following activities will help librarians demonstrate value and impact.
Preserving Digital Archives: Choosing Which Digital Archives to Preserve
Choosing which digital archives to preserve. Technical appraisal that considers how digital files are read, documented, processed, and preserved is critical
10 Guidelines for Leveraging Push Communication to Promote KM Initiatives
Guidelines for push communications like newsletters to engage end users, promote KM initiatives and keep knowledge management updates flowing.
Reimagining Museum Engagement for Younger Generations
Improving museum engagement for younger generations requires instant access, connections to other artifacts, social/collaborative learning, compelling story.
Librarians and Technology #3: How to Write Software Reviews (Databases, Services Too)
Tips for special librarians writing software reviews after evaluating software, databases, technology. Focus on organization’s mission, user needs and workflow.
Digital Archives: Choosing Sustainable File Formats
Digital archives preservation: assessing needs + options, choosing sustainable file formats so digital files remain authentic, reliable resources.
Readers’ Choice: Favorite KM Blog Posts of 2018
Knowledge managers reading Lucidea’s blog in 2018 showed a strong interest in learning about the strategic and tactical basics of KM.
Readers’ Choice: Favorite Archives Blog Posts of 2018
Archives professionals reading Lucidea’s blog in 2018 showed a strong interest in digitization and related collections management issues.
Readers’ Choice: Favorite Museum Blog Posts of 2018
The results are in! Guest blogger Rachael Cristine Woody’s museum blog posts are always well received, but we noticed appreciation for three in particular.
Readers’ Choice: Favorite Library Blog Posts of 2018
Special librarians reading Lucidea’s blog in 2018 showed a strong interest in trends and near term opportunities, including embedded librarianship.
Is SharePoint Really a KM application?
SharePoint is not an off the shelf KM application and it requires costly and ongoing development is required to keep up with KM.
How and When a Museum Should Hire a Grant Specialist
A museum should hire a grant specialist when they lack resources or expertise to navigate funding opportunities and grant applications.
Client Engagement in Special Libraries—What is it?
Special librarians need client engagement strategies + skills to actively nurture relationships with end users.
Expanding Digital Preservation Collaboration
Digital preservation efforts are led by archivists, librarians and museum workers; but new challenges require the involvement of new participants.
Platform vs. Application—the KM Conundrum
Organizations with KM requirements often select a software platform rather than a KM application and never get to success. Here’s how to avoid that pitfall.
How to Find the Best Museum Grant Funding Opportunity
Conducting museum grant prospect research changes each time. Care must be taken to find the best funding opportunities to match your project.
Artificial Intelligence: Technology Trends that Aren’t “Out-There” Anymore!
Tech trends like artificial intelligence (AI) impact libraries, archives, museums and galleries, creating information experiences based on behavior.
SKCA and Inmagic Presto: The Archives Dream Team
American Jewish Archives uses CuadraSTAR SKCA and Inmagic Presto for collections management essentials, an easy-to-use catalog and multimedia content.
How to make friends and influence organizations to adopt KM
Selling KM is a journey; getting buy-in to knowledge management is an ongoing, permanent process.
Identifying Museum Funding Roadblocks
Museum professionals need to understand why grant applications haven’t been successful in order to identify and pursue successful funding opportunities.
Librarians and Technology #2—Evaluating New Software, Databases or Technology
Special Librarians evaluating new ILS technology must keep in mind the mission and different users who access data and collections.
20 Questions Your KM Application or ILS Should Help Answer
Knowledge managers and special librarians need to think both strategically and tactically when selecting an ILS or KM application or migrating/upgrading.
2019 Master Plan for Museum Professionals
Museum expert Rachael Cristine Woody advocates for creating a professional master plan, identifying benchmarks to achieve and activities in support.
Don’t Just Be Integrated: Be Integral – Download SLA 2018 Hot Topics Whitepaper
Special librarians can go beyond integration with organizational imperatives to become integral to organizational success by embedding and aligning.
Shifting Concepts of Preservation in a Digital World
Archival preservation practices are transforming in the digital environment; there are new principles that apply to digitized and born-digital materials.
RTI Digitization in the Museum
2D digitization often isn’t enough in a museum; However, RTI is an alternative option for objects that are mostly 2D, but require a more powerful form of digitization.
Why Electronic Resource Management is Important in Special Libraries
In today’s special libraries, online resource usage tracking and acting upon insights gained is essential to delivering the best content, tools, services.
Scalability of Digital Preservation: The Right Fit for All
Discoveries made in personal digital archiving, coupled with best practices of larger institutions, may provide smaller archives with solutions.
KM Secret: Documents and Presentations
KM leaders should focus on using various communications methods and channels to keep user base informed on knowledge management progress.
How to Increase Museum Conference ROI
Tight operating budgets mean limited conference funds and museum staff must think hard about which conferences they’re going to attend, calculating ROI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – An Important Tool for Special Librarians
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help librarians ensure digital content is relevant and manageable. AI may be the next frontier for special librarianship.
Knowledge Leadership – Thoughts from Euan Semple
Knowledge and thought leadership develop through active participation in social networks, not by authority figures stating “the right way” from on high.
How to Conference on a Museum Budget
Attending museum conferences is important for professional development; here are 8 tips for cutting attendance costs to stay within your budget.
Learning Something Every Day – Librarians and Technology
Paying attention to technology and structure of information improves special librarians’ data retrieval skills and understanding of how data is organized.
Skills Building for Digital Preservation
The need for training in digital preservation is high. Archivists require more digital preservation training and professional development opportunities.
KM Secret: Improve Findability Part Two
KM leaders should focus on improving findability of internal and external knowledge assets; do this by choosing and organizing content appropriately.
Ready to Read: A Survivor’s Guide to Museum Grant Writing
Lucidea Press announces Rachael Cristine Woody’s book Survivor’s Guide to Museum Grant Writing for those wanting to increase grant acquisition success.
On-Site or Off-Site Storage – Part 5: A History of this Long-term Solution
Off-site and remote storage provide a long-term preservation/retention solution for paper and microfilm records, sound and video recordings, and data.
The Data Economy: Funding Sustainable Digital Preservation
Continuous access to digital content requires sustainable preservation activities that necessitate both deliberate and ongoing resource allocation.
KM Secret: Improve Findability Part One
KM leaders should focus on improving the findability of internal and external knowledge assets; this can be done through various methods and channels.
Relevance & The Museum’s Role in Social Wellbeing
Museums play a role in enhancing social wellbeing of a community and also deliver significant economic impact.
Tech Trends: Moving Beyond Transactions to Interpreting Behaviours
Special librarians can leverage emerging technologies that go beyond automating transactions and adapt to human behaviours and “remembering”.
Integrating Digital Preservation into Your Archives Program
Archivists need to ensure digital preservation is embedded into business as usual. Today more archivists are addressing digital preservation concerns.
Successful KM Programs Require User Input
KM leaders should base strategy on user input to determine needs to address. Conduct surveys to capture challenges, opportunities, and suggestions.
Museums: Actions for Integrating Empathy
Museums play an important role in cultivating empathy; they need to integrate empathy into their own identity through inreach not just outreach.
Migrating to a New ILS/LMS Doesn’t Have to Hurt
Migrating an ILS or LMS to a new platform doesn’t have to hurt. There are many success factors that Lucidea’s Client Services team knows how to leverage.
Nuts & Bolts of Scope Statements for Archival Projects
Archivists must include a scope statement for each archival project in order for it to be successful; this is a fundamental project management strategy.
Working Out Loud: Benefits for KM
Nurturing a knowledge-sharing culture goes hand in hand with implementing a KM program; Working Out Loud is one method of building trust.
Museums: Cultivators of Empathy
Museums play an important role in cultivating the quality of empathy, increasing the emotional, educational, and economic success of their communities.
On-Site or Off-Site Storage – Part 4: Inclusion in Security and Disaster Prevention and Planning
Facilities that house special library items stored remotely or offsite should be included in security, risk management and disaster response plans.
Best Ways for KM Leaders to Partner with IT
KM leaders should work closely with their IT staff to successfully implement knowledge management technology projects.
Making Museums Accessible
Museums are key players in the movement to making the cultural sector accessible for persons with disabilities in both their physical and digital spaces.
Capstone Post: Part 6—How do We Align Research Results with Decision-Making?
Special librarians must go beyond connecting users to information and influence knowledge creation and decision making by improving question quality.
Eliciting Archival Project Requirements
Archives project management includes eliciting requirements from stakeholders through a variety of techniques including interviews, focus groups, surveys.
KM Success Stories
Knowledge management expert Stan Garfield stresses the need using success stories to communicate the positive impact of KM.
The Decay of Museums Leads to Irreparable Loss
Inadequate funding for museums and resulting decay are systemic issues everywhere—even in countries with successful economies and world-class collections.
Knowledge Ecosystems and the Pivotal Role of the Special Librarian
Special librarians play a key role in knowledge ecosystems. Data professionals, information professionals, and knowledge workers are different.
Gathering Requirements for Archival Projects
Archival projects include clearly defined requirements (differ from goals and objectives) that meet conditions: must have, could have, nice to have.
KM User Assistance: The Knowledge Help Desk
Knowledge management expert Stan Garfield stresses the need for one-on-one support as a KM communications method via a dedicated help desk.
The Value of Cultural Heritage Experiences in the Museum
To entice visitors, museums offer Cultural Heritage Experiences in tandem with online exhibits that include videos, interviews and supplemental objects.
On-Site or Off-Site Storage – Part 3: Preservation and Access
Off-site/remote storage facilities can be havens for items with long-term preservation needs which is a trigger for moving materials to off-site storage.
Developing Goals and Objectives for Archival Projects
Archivists support projects with SMART (specific, measurable, accurate, realistic, and time bound) goals and objectives, while staying flexible.
Can Artificial Intelligence Make Knowledge Management Sexy?
Artificial Intelligence may renew users’ interest in KM when it dramatically enhances the ability to find the right content via auto-categorization.
3D Digitization in the Museum – Part 2: LIDAR
3D digitization options that have emerged as leaders in the museum and cultural heritage fields are photogrammetry and LIDAR scanning (this post).
On-site or Off-site Storage – Part 2: Making Decisions
Off-site storage requires decisions based upon users, use of collections, and timely access to materials; solutions minimize disruption of service.
Identifying Worthwhile Archival Projects
Archivists should prioritize projects that add value to the organization; they should reduce costs, expand services or increase efficiency.
3D Digitization in the Museum – Part 1: Photogrammetry
K3D digitization options that have emerged as leaders in the museum and cultural heritage fields are photogrammetry (this post) and LIDAR scanning.
SydneyEnterprise & The Penang House of Music – Access to Musical Heritage
The Penang House of Music uses SydneyEnterprise to document and make accessible a multimedia collection of materials related to popular music in Penang.
KM and Gamification: Examples of Tangible Rewards
Recognizing and rewarding participation in a KM program is critical to success. There are many methods for doing so; keep your specific goals in mind.
Who Owns Digital Culture? An Important Question Museums Must Consider
Museums who provide digital renderings of cultural property can greatly aid in preservation, restoration, education, and enjoyment.
On-site or Off-site Storage – Part 1: Implications of Storing Materials Off-site
It is expensive to house seldom used items in libraries/information centers. Digitization and then off-site and remote site storage reduces local costs.
Archives Collection-Level Description: Pros & Cons
Archives collection-level description can be useful for images of the same subject, but problematic for collections with a variety of subjects.
Articulate Your KM Vision
Knowledge management expert Stan Garfield stresses the need for a end-state vision for a KM program; passionately describe what it looks like when it’s working.
The End of Net Neutrality & The Museum Digital Visitor
Museums must develop actionable plans to safeguard their digital existence. Remaining unresponsive to the end of net neutrality is no longer an option.
Cialdini: The Rules of Influence
Special librarians have many options for building influence in their organizations; Cialdini’s 6 principles of influence are a valuable reference.
Archives & Item-Level Description: An Integrated Approach
Archivists take integrated approach to digital initiatives, selection to description, access to preservation, connecting practical & cultural objectives.
10 Tips for Starting a KM Program
Knowledge management programs have many common elements that form the foundation for success. This post contains 10 top tips for getting started with KM.
The Future of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR) in Museums
Museums have an opportunity now to be proactive in the augmented and virtual reality realms and deliver a more immersive experience to visitors.
Community and Asset Mapping for Special Librarians
Community Asset Mapping is a great tool for special librarians to use when examining potential partnerships, markets, audiences, and more.
The Current State of Description for Archives
Archival description combines traditional library and archival practice with more focused practices found in the museum and visual resources communities.
Three Keys to KM leadership
In order to sell KM, you must lead by example and model desired behaviors to show others how it’s done. Stan Garfield shares 3 keys to KM leadership.
Working Your Museum’s Problems to Find Solutions
Museums should systematically identify problems in order to express needs and find solutions, particularly in regard to grant applications and funding.
Embedded Librarians Never Stop Learning
Special librarians must continuously learn in order to stay knowledgeable and relevant; this is especially important for embedded librarians.
Metadata Best Practices
When digitizing archives, a metadata standard appropriate to the materials in hand and the intended end-users must be selected.
How to Sell KM to Leaders–Part Three
Implementing a successful KM program requires that leaders understand the benefits for them personally, and for the organization overall.
Museum Grant Application: What Happens if You Fail?
Grant writing is challenging; museums can get better with practice. Leverage failure to be a stronger applicant in future and increase chances of funding.
Part 4: How Embedded Librarians Add Value to Catalogues and Databases
Embedded librarians apply vocabulary and special subject thesauri to newly accessioned and hidden collections, making them accessible to internal and external users.
Metadata for Archival Collections: Challenges and Opportunities
Metadata is a significant cost of digital archives. Metadata creators must provide enough information to be useful but cannot afford to be exhaustive.
How to Sell KM to Leaders – Part Two
KM practitioners must make a logical case for how knowledge management programs will help achieve key business objectives of the organization.
Museum Project Break Down—A Template
Museum staff should apply project management principles to any project, grant funded or in house. It’s easiest to start at project end and work backwards.
Part Five: Aligning Research Results with Decision-Making—Mind Mapping and Boxes
Special librarians can use mind mapping or a four-box approach to begin and guide research, discovery, project and report creation and development.
Ethical, Legal, and Cultural Considerations for Digital Archival Projects
Archivists must have a flexible policy framework with clear, documented digital archives processes reflecting legal, ethical and cultural considerations.
How to Sell KM to Leaders – Part One
KM practitioners should use storytelling as a very useful tool to help obtain leadership commitment as they promote knowledge management programs.
Museums with Zero Funding—Stop Saying These 4 Phrases
Museums must approach grant funding strategically in order to craft winning grant applications. This post explores pitfalls to avoid.
Part Four: Aligning Research Results with Decision-Making—SWOT and Fish Bones
Special librarians can use SWOT analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses that inform research and services development.
Archives: Values to Consider During Selection for Digitization
Selection criteria for archives digitization projects must include informational, intrinsic, artifactual and aesthetic values.
13 KM Insights for Successful Knowledge Managers
Successful knowledge management requires a commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, storytelling, innovation and inclusivity.
Argus Turns a Museum’s Challenge into a Success; Carpe Diem
The University of Missouri’s Art & Archaeology Museum supports strategic imperatives with Argus robust collections management and antiquities cataloging.
Archives: Digital Imaging and Resolution Recommendations
Archives digital imaging takes planning; image quality choices made when files are created have a profound effect on cost, research value, and usefulness.
Image Description Practices for Digital Archives Projects
Standards for describing archival materials exist but many archives use descriptive methods suited only to their holdings; description remains idiosyncratic.
Part Two: Knowledge Management Networking Secrets
Knowledge management practitioners should take advantage of outside help including consultants; there are 3 steps to retaining the right KM advisor.
Part Two: Aligning Research Results with Decision-Making—Thinking About Thinking (Edward de Bono)
In order to develop better products and services, special librarians can use strategy frameworks to help analyze how clients think and make decisions.
Inmagic Presto V5.0 – Knowledge Management Software Informed by Our Clients
Inmagic Presto release 5.0 enables knowledge managers to offer users a visually appealing, easily navigable, personalized and efficient KM platform.
5 Times LAMs Should Bring in a Consultant
Libraries, archives and museums need consultants under specific scenarios, including digitalization, preservation, cataloging and fundraising assessment.
Part One: Aligning Research Results with Decision-Making—SWOT, 4-Squares, Fish Bones, and More
Special librarians must align research services with how clients process information to reduce cycle time between getting information to making decisions.
Selection for Digitization – Best Practices
Archives digitization projects must consider legal status of materials, desired usage, intellectual control, technical needs, and collaboration.
Part One: Knowledge Management Networking Secrets
You don’t have to go it alone to sell KM inside your organization, other KM professionals have encountered the same hurdles and can offer real support.
When Your Archives and Special Collections Aren’t Special
Museum staff must be familiar with archives and special collections theory and standards for care, storage, management, organization, and cataloging.
Dedicated or part time embedded librarians: What works best for your organization?
Dedicated or part time embedded special librarians bring project knowledge back to the library and disseminate information to the organization.
In-house and Outsourced Archives Digitization
Archives digitization can be done either in-house or outsourced; both alternatives should be considered when starting a digital archives project.
Navigating the Museum | Archive Relationship
Archival materials are critically important to correctly interpreting a museum’s objects and require a holistic approach to collections management.
The Right ILS for You—Do You Build or Buy?
It’s more expensive to build an integrated library system, ILS, LMS or LAS than to buy off the shelf; it requires time, money, effort and risk.
Inmagic Presto Brings a Town’s History to Life – The Sudbury Archives
Inmagic Presto’s multimedia capabilities enable the Sudbury Archives to offer digital access to historical collections and genealogical materials.
Define Museum Success & Measure It
Museums must define and measure project success, showing willingness to be held accountable, learn and improve; project management is key to success.
What Does Success Look Like for the Special Library? SLA 2017 Hot Topics Panel (Revisited)
Special librarians need to define professional success and develop strategies for communicating the value and benefits of library success to management.
Staffing and Collaboration for Digital Archival Projects
Digital archives projects require new skills and collaboration is increasingly a factor in archives, bringing a need for training in a hybrid environment.
Accelerate KM Adoption through Point Scoring
KM evangelist Stan Garfield believes gamification techniques like point scoring solve the challenge of building user engagement.
How to Best Leverage Museum Volunteers
Museums should think beyond traditional volunteer roles and create new opportunities and training that benefit both volunteer and museum.
Ready to Read: Succeeding in the World of Special Librarianship
Stephen Abram’s new Lucidea Press book “Succeeding in the World of Special Librarianship” offers valuable professional development tips for librarians.
Part 2: Benefits and Value of Embedded Special Librarianship
Embedded special librarians (subject matter specialists) add value by decreasing project costs and speeding time to results, while filling knowledge gaps.
KM Adoption Can be Increased Through Gamification Techniques
KM evangelist Stan Garfield believes gamification techniques solve the challenge of building user engagement and ensuring knowledge management adoption.
Effective Technology Training for Museum Volunteers & Interns
Museum expert Rachael Woody offers proven practices for volunteer & intern training to ensure effective use of your museum’s collections management system.
Digital Archives & The American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons uses Eloquent Archives to manage their ~400 linear feet of multimedia materials and make them available for research.
10 Principles for Successful KM Communities
In Proven Practices for Promoting a KM Program, expert Stan Garfield says knowledge leaders should follow 10 principles for building great communities.
The Intersection of Libraries, Archives & Museums
Libraries, archives & museums (LAMs) may be physically separate but digitally aligned. Collections management systems enable sharing & collaboration.
Why an Integrated Library System (ILS) is Key to Your Independence
Librarians and knowledge managers must develop strategies for independence, including implementing an ILS that doesn’t require IT support.
Keys to Developing a Comprehensive Archives Collection Development Policy
This post describes elements of a formal archives collection development policy and guidance on strategic issues of advocacy, planning and measurement.
5 Educational Elements of Knowledge Management
Planning a knowledge management program must include a strategy, participation incentives, a KM culture, begin with documents, and reuse existing content.
8 Tips to a Bulletproof Grant Proposal
Museum expert Rachael Christine Woody offers 8 tips that will ensure your museum’s grant proposal is strong and improve chances of acceptance.
Part 1: Embedded Librarians and Information Professionals—In the Thick of Things
Embedded special librarians (subject matter specialists) add value by helping develop projects, assess resources, disseminate practice/sector information.
How to Determine the Feasibility of Digital Archives Projects
Planning a digital archives project involves serious considerations and questions which can be used to determine feasibility and likelihood of success.
Holistic KM
Knowledge management solutions should integrate with an organization’s existing systems and work seamlessly with the current IT infrastructure.
Timeless Collections Management—Argus for Now, Argus for the Future
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia uses Web-based Argus collections management software to increase public awareness of its collections and optmize workflow.
6 Keys to Special Library Sustainability
Challenges to special libraries’ long-term sustainability can turn into opportunities with strategies for continuous improvement and a proactive approach.
Three Fundamental Digital Preservation Strategies
Ensuring longevity of digital data is complicated and costly; they need routine preservation to survive; archivists must adopt 3 preservation strategies.
How are Your Organization’s Technology Apps Reviewed and Approved?
Too strong a focus on technology is a common problem in KM implementations; KM guru Stan Garfield discusses how to embrace technology appropriately.
Museum Grant Pitfalls—Know & Avoid Them
Museum expert Rachael Christine Woody describes 7 museum grant pitfalls to avoid if your museum wants to be a stronger applicant.
Why Special Libraries are Important Destinations
Special libraries as destinations can be essential community hubs and support digital inclusion; users miss out if they become completely virtual.
Copyright Fundamentals for Cultural Heritage Institutions
Most people don’t understand copyright complexity. Archivists must educate users, colleagues, leadership teams about copyright as applied to collections.
Knowledge Management for Success: Reuse Proven Practices
KM expert Stan Garfield provides research on proven practices from Microsoft, NASA, Hewlett Packard and other companies that excel at knowledge management.
Top 4 Funding Ideas for Museums
Museum expert Rachael Christine Woody shares her top four museum funding ideas that are well received by granting agencies.
Why Digital Archives Expand Access and Awareness
Author, archivist, and records manager Margot Note describes how and why digital archives collections management expands access to archives holdings.
How to Turn Searching into Discovery
Optimized KM requires more than simple retrieval. There are methods, techniques and technologies that ensure critical knowledge is discoverable.
Special Libraries and Evidence Based Decision Making
Optimized KM requires more than simple retrieval. There are methods, techniques and technologies that ensure critical knowledge is discoverable.
Solutions to Common Law Firm KM Challenges
Optimized KM requires more than simple retrieval. There are methods, techniques and technologies that ensure critical knowledge is discoverable.
How to Leverage Jargon, and Why It’s Important
Professional development tip: reserve special library jargon for librarians; use the language of your company’s sector, your workplace, and your leaders.
KM Programs: Implement, Improve, and Iterate
KM leaders adopt proven practices in software development: implement, improve, iterate to continuously involve users, get better results in fewer cycles.
Alexa, Siri, Cortana, Google Home, AR, AI, Machine Learning and the Special Librarian
Library consultant Stephen Abram describes ways for special librarians to understand/embrace technologies that “move the needle in the question space.”
Part Two: Why Content + Connection = KM 3.0
User generated content and enterprise social networks are dramatically impacting the knowledge supply chain; KM practitioners can leverage this trend.
Part Three: Building Your KM Nest – 5 More Strategies for Special Librarians
Consultant Stephen Abram outlines strategies librarians can adopt to facilitate growth of ideas and better decision quality, beyond knowledge management.
Part One: Why Content + Connection = KM 3.0
Personal information consumption habits are key drivers of workplace knowledge management adoption; knowledge managers must accommodate and leverage this.
Part Two: Building Your KM Nest – 5 of 10 Strategies for Special Librarians
Consultant Stephen Abram outlines strategies librarians can adopt to improve the health of a “knowledge ecology” rather than focusing on KM.
Seeking Outside Help: Tips for Knowledge Managers
KM expert Stan Garfield says knowledge managers should seek outside help when selling KM in their organizations and offers advice on who can help and how.
Part One: Building Your KM Nest – What Did Einstein Know about Knowledge Management?
Library consultant Stephen Abram describes how librarians can adapt to evolving end user needs, asserting that information combined with insight rules.
10 Important Elements of an Organizational Knowledge Ecosystem
A successful KM program must integrate with organizational culture, workflows and strategies. Knowledge Managers must build knowledge ecosystems.
Part Two: How to Leverage Analytics in Your Special Library
Special library analytics are critical; using Lucidea’s ILS/KM products delivers visible, tangible results measurable via surveys, interviews, etc.
How to Hold Successful “Face-to-Face” KM Meetings
KM expert Stan Garfield says meeting in person is key to KM leaders’ professional development—and shares how to hold successful face to face meetings.
Part One: How to Leverage Analytics in Your Special Library
Analytics are critical to special libraries; SydneyEnterprise’s Request Management Dashboard supports evidence-based decisions on requests and resources.
RISE Innventia’s Library & Presto: Uniquely Positioned to Serve the Pulp & Paper Sector
RISE Innventia uses Inmagic Presto to make their content accessible online, leveraging federated search, custom intranet pages and permissions management.
Marketing Your Library: The Benefits For Special Libraries
Many believe that staff will flock to a special library. That’s often not true, even though users are a captive audience. Library marketing to the rescue!
How Knowledge Managers Can Become (and Mentor) “Power Knowledge Workers”
KM expert Stan Garfield shares his thoughts on characteristics and skills of effective knowledge managers and leaders, and a task-based role description.
Is There Such a Thing as Information Overload?
Special librarians embody the solution to enterprise information overload, per library consultant Stephen Abram.
How to Think About Knowledge Management Now
In a piece for KMWorld, “What is KM? Knowledge Management Explained”, Dr. M. Koenig provides a solid overview for both novices and tenured practitioners.
Access is Not Equal to Know-how
Library consultant Stephen Abram explains the importance of differentiating “access to knowledge” from “know-how” and the librarian’s resultant value-add.
How Your KM Platform Can Provide a Great User Experience
Knowledge management expert Stan Garfield shares his thoughts on the elements of a great user experience.
Future Ready: The Emerging New Library/Librarian Experience
Library consultant Stephen Abram explains that the experience of using a library whether physical or virtual results in the transformation of the user.
Openness and the Embedded Library Experience
Library consultant and advocate Stephen Abram defines what it means for special librarians and information professional to be organizationally embedded.
Find a Killer KM App
Knowledge management expert Stan Garfield shares his thoughts on “killer apps” that provide the technology foundation for a successful KM program.
Innovation: No Excuses
Library consultant and advocate Stephen Abram offers practical advice on jumpstarting innovation for special librarians and information professionals.
5 Ways You Can Get the Most from a Software Demo
Canned software demos are meaningless; get a tailored demo from prospective vendors by doing some work in advance, leading to informed purchases.
Blogging as a Special Librarian
Library consultant and advocate Stephen Abram offers personal and practical advice on blogging for special librarians and information professionals.
Part Three: Aligning Research Results with Decision-Making—Tools to Inspire Creativity and Encourage Divergent Thinking
Special librarians should use collaboration exercises to achieve consensus and identify priorities to inform research and services development.
Archival Project Scheduling Tips
Scheduling tips for archival projects include plan to achieve results within a specific timeframe but to offer flexibility add 10 percent extra time.
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Knowledge Management Software Procurement; Insider Tips
Successful knowledge management software procurement and rollout requires thorough understanding of how technology products are reviewed and approved.
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Museum Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Resources and Practices
Museum staff can adopt diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion statements and develop practices that help meet their DEAI-related intentions.
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Special Library Reference Interviews: Basics of a Neglected Professional Skill
Special library reference interviews cover digital resources, packaging and adding value to responses,
and considering cost-value benefit(s).
Archival Project Planning: The Essentials
Archival project planning should be collaborative and focused on ensuring project support and
resources. Take enough time to plan an archives project.
Ensure KM Adoption by Offering a Great User Experience
KM expert Stan Garfield stresses KM adoption is driven by a great KM user experience; make it easy to access people, process and technology tools.
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How to Build a Successful Museum Strategy
A successful museum strategy has 3 main components: operational, funding, digital. Departmental decisions are aligned with museum strategy as a whole.
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Librarians and Technology Part 8: Active Reading and Focused Reference
Active reading sharpens special librarians’ reference and retrieval skills and is an essential aspect of integrating technology and reference.
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Getting Started on Archival Projects
Archival project managers must ensure the transition from planning to activity is smooth, while keeping archives project time, cost, quality, balanced.
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Museum expert Rachael Cristine Woody offers advice for museum professionals electing to learn and attempt grant writing, with a systematic, common sense approach to securing valuable financial sustenance.
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Available Now!
Perspective and advice from Stephen Abram to special librarians committed to proactively managing their careers with a pragmatic approach to such topics as: strategy, managing communication for impact and value, and the secrets of client engagement.
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