IFLA update

I just returned from the IFLA conference in Quebec, and there were some interesting KM topics.

First, the pre-conference started with an open discussion lead by Dave Pollard about structured versus less-structured networking within organizations. His data showed that Gen Millenium workers share information using synchronous channels (IM, tweets) rather than e-mail, and that they are more comfortable asking for information from others than in searching a repository of previous knowledge. In this case, certain people often became key nodes in the information network -- regardless of their job titles or places within the organizational structure.  (These were often people skilled at managing a knowledge base ... in essence, unrecognized KM folks.)  Questions arose about the scalability of this process over time, as well as ROI as an organization's needs changed and people left the organization.

The second part was a presentation about a plan to develop a model for providing free published scientific knowledge to African countries. Open Access and appropriate business models will be addressed as this theoretical position is molded into an actual proposal for copyright considerations.

In the IFLA KM Board meeting, many issues were raised in terms of future conference programming; the next meetings will be in Milan (2009) and Brisbane (2010). As with all other voluteer organizations, it was difficult to find members able to contribute to their communication networks. After conversation about the very low use of their electronic distribution list, IFLA KM members were encouraged to subscribe to the open SLA KM Division elist, as it has a much larger and more active population. I am going to work on a draft message for distribution to IFLA members. 

They are also not satisfied with the amount effort required in order to maintain two web sites, neither of which is very active.  I suggested they take a look at our web site for identifying current events information. The del.icio.us feed and other open content can be shared with IFLA KM members, as they do not require an SLA membership.  Janice Lachance and Judy/Jane - the IFLA officers - will begin to explore what might be done to provide some material from behind the member firewall to IFLA members with very limited funds. This also raised questions about other opportunities for joint programming; more on this later.
 
It was great to meet these other passionate KM practitioners, some with plans for national efforts and all with similar hopes and dreams.
 
Did I mention Quebec was beautiful, both in the major downpour the first day and the fabulous weather the rest of the time?
 
     David