Knowledge Management

Book excerpt: Knowledge management (KM) is frequently presented as a recent development born entirely of the business world. However, the intellectual origins of knowledge management are both deeper and broader than have been posited in the literature to date. Influences of philosophy, economics, education, psychology, information and communication theory, and library and information studies have been almost completely overlooked. This book links current and historical works to the development of knowledge management across domains and disciplines to give students and scholars a deeper appreciation of the origins of KM and a better understanding of its intellectual origins, its concepts, and principles. Through his thorough and critical examination of historical and more recent classic works, Wallace demystifies this important, emerging area of study. An essential and fascinating read for LIS faculty, students, and practitioners; required reading for courses in Knowledge Management.