Learning Environments and the Factors of Knowledge with Kim Sherwin
Sep 26, 2024
auto_awesome
Kim Sherwin, Director of Knowledge at Aurecon, brings over 20 years of expertise in libraries and knowledge management. She discusses the transformative journey from librarianship to knowledge management, emphasizing the power of converting information into actionable knowledge. Kim explores fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in organizations, framing knowledge as an economic asset. With a focus on communication and storytelling, she highlights how to embed knowledge into corporate processes and navigate challenges with adaptability and collaboration.
Librarians can excel in knowledge management by utilizing research skills to transform information into actionable insights and enhance organizational efficiency.
Creating a culture of knowledge sharing through communication and collaboration is essential for leveraging human contributions and achieving better outcomes in organizations.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Librarianship to Knowledge Management
A librarian can effectively transition to knowledge management by leveraging their research skills and understanding of information organization. The experience of a professional who began in librarianship highlights that the foundation for knowledge management lies in the ability to categorize and extract valuable insights from information. This individual shared their own journey, which started unexpectedly when they were encouraged to take on knowledge management responsibilities, demonstrating how opportunity and adaptability play crucial roles. Their exploration into turning information into actionable knowledge showcases the vital connection between research and knowledge application.
Cultivating a Knowledge-Sharing Culture
Creating a culture of knowledge sharing is fundamental to organizational success, as knowledge is seen as one of the greatest assets a company possesses. In practice, this means encouraging employees to share their insights and experiences to avoid reinventing the wheel and improving overall efficiency in serving clients. The interviewee emphasizes the importance of communication, storytelling, and visibility in promoting knowledge sharing within the organization, utilizing tools like internal communication platforms to facilitate this exchange. By adopting a collaborative approach to knowledge management, organizations can enhance their learning processes and achieve better outcomes.
The Role of Human Connection in Knowledge Management
Human connection plays a central role in effective knowledge management by emphasizing the need for collaboration, adaptability, and community involvement. Individuals in knowledge roles must approach challenges with an open mind and be willing to learn from diverse perspectives, underscoring the importance of teamwork and the merging of different areas of expertise. As the prevalence of artificial intelligence increases, it becomes essential to focus on human contributions and critical thinking, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human insight. The emphasis is placed on the need for continuous learning and personal development as essential traits for success in knowledge management.
Kim Sherwin is the Director, Knowledge at Aurecon. Kim is a Librarian by trade and has 20+ years of experience in libraries and knowledge management across a range of sectors including engineering, design and advisory consulting, law, defence, public libraries, tertiary and higher education, in both the UK and Australia. Kim has a strong interest in the people and culture aspects of knowledge sharing and has a soft spot for communicating the value it can bring.
Kim Sherwin (she/her) BA(Hons), MA, MCLIP, AALIA
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode