Learning about the field of Knowledge Management

Before starting a knowledge management initiative, you should learn more about the field. To start, read books, periodicals, web sites, and blogs; attend training and conferences; and participate in professional communities to deepen your understanding of the field of knowledge management. 

This is practicing what you preach and will allow you to learn from the experience of others, reuse the best ideas, and avoid the usual pitfalls.

Here are ten detailed lists of available resources:

1. Blogs
2. Books
3. Communities
4. Conferences
5. Consultants
6. Periodicals
7. Sites
8. Thought Leaders
9. Training (including Podcasts, Webinars, and Universities)
10. Tweeters

It’s a good idea to attend a KM conference before starting a KM program. After that, try to attend one every year, choosing a different one as much as possible.

Some conferences feature training before, during, or after the event. Take advantage of this whenever possible.

When attending conferences and training courses, make every effort to get to know the other attendees. Seek them out during meals, breaks, and social events. Ask them questions, share your thoughts, and exchange contact information. Try to schedule visits with the most energetic colleagues to learn more about their KM programs.

If you have the funds to engage an outside consultant, you can benefit from their knowledge and experience. If not, you can still learn from visiting their web sites and reading their publications. My Profiles in Knowledge series provides details on many KM thought leaders.

For KM communities, start by reading their online threaded discussions, and then post questions. If events are held, try to attend, or listen to recordings of past calls and webinars.

Here are single recommendations for each type of resource to get you started.

1. Blog: Knoco stories by Nick Milton
2. Book: Working Knowledge by Thomas Davenport and Laurence Prusak
3. Community: SIKM Leaders Community
4. Conference: KMWorld
5. Consultant: Susan Hanley
6. Periodical: K Street Directions by Chris Riemer
7. Podcast: Because You Need to Know – Pioneer Knowledge Services by Edwin K. Morris
8. Site: Gurteen Knowledge Website by David Gurteen
9. Thought Leader: Nancy Dixon
10. Training: Working KnowledgeCSP by Bill Kaplan
11. Tweeter: Arthur Shelley
12. Webinars: Lucidea

Learning about the field of KM is an ongoing responsibility. There is a great amount of content to digest, and new material is published every day. Start with a simple goal such as reading one book or attending one conference, accomplish it, and then set your next goal. As you learn more, it will become easier to tackle each successive step.