Book review: Harvesting Experience, Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge

Book Review: Harvesting Experience, Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge

TITLE: Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge AUTHOR: Jan Duffy ISBN: 0-933887-80-9 PUBLISHER: ARMA International PUBLICATION DATE: 1999 LENGTH: 270 pages PRICE: $25 members/ $37 non-members SOURCE: ARMA International Bookstore: www.arma.org or 888-241-0598

Today's information professionals face a myriad of challenges, including that of understanding the impact of knowledge management (KM) on their organizations and themselves. There has been considerable debate over the definition and value of KM and about the various proclamations of "KM solutions" in the marketplace. A proliferation of books and articles and even the offering of KM tools by such prominent companies as Xerox and Microsoft have not led to a clear understanding of KM. Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge brings KM into focus for the information professional.

Author Jan Duffy asserts that KM is grounded in principles, not technology, and that it is "a process for facilitating - not controlling - the creation, discovery, and distribution of knowledge." The book takes a practical approach to gaining insight into the corporate "know-how" and "harvesting" the vast experience held the members of an organization. By taking a practical and logical approach and using technology as an enabler, a KM program can be successful, Duffy explains.

The book is well laid out in seven chapters that follow a logical progression. It sets the foundation by first providing KM definitions. These are followed by chapters about the organization of knowledge, guidelines for preparing a KM initiative, support processes, technologies, implementation issues, and future expectations. The chapters all begin with a statement of those issues that set the stage for the discussions that follow. The text is easy to read and is written for a reader with little or no prior KM knowledge.

Each chapter includes clear and useful graphics to illustrate concepts and terms being described. Some of the visual aids, such as "Knowledge Management Process" and "Knowledge Strategy Connections," are especially helpful for uninitiated information managers. In addition to the chapters, the book includes an appendix with checklists that will assist a user in developing a KM initiative. The checklists are clear, easy to understand, and useful tools for the KM project manager. There is also an extensive glossary of value to records and knowledge management professionals alike.

Duffy's corporate consulting experience contributes to the strength of the book in that she often cites actual KM program developments and implementations. In using these special case studies, called "Real-Life Files," she creates a showcase for successful program elements and experiences from such companies as Chrysler, Dow Chemical, Ernst & Young, and Hewlett-Packard. These are especially useful in showing realworld application of the principles explained throughout the text. The only downside to these "Real-Life Files" is that the reader may want to know even more about each case.

Harvesting Experience is especially strong in pointing out key strategies that suggest why an information professional should create KM initiatives and how to sell the idea successfully to senior management. As Duffy explains these strategies, she consistently provides examples to guide the reader clearly. Another way in which the author assists the reader is through the use of "ImplemenTips" - highlighted suggestions for successful implementation of the KM initiative. Each ImplemenTip is provided at an appropriate point in the text, is easy to understand, and provides readers with specific suggestions to ensure success.

In two areas, Duffy departs from the book's overall direction with a more advanced approach that may be more difficult for some beginners to grasp. Duffy discusses two important topics, project planning and development of the "knowledge map," at length and in significant detail. This may be a bit overwhelming to the KM novice, but in both areas, straightforward graphics and charts help.

Highly recommended reading, Harvesting Experience: Reaping the Benefits of Knowledge is an exceptional primer for anyone interested in learning what KM is and how to develop a successful KM initiative. Readers will find clear text and discussions useful in clearing up many of the misperceptions about this discipline. The book is important for those in the records management field, where a strategic understanding of KM can clearly enhance the standing of records professionals in organizations.

H. LARRY EIRING, CRM

H. Larry Eiring, CRM, is Senior Manager, Information and Records Management, for the lawfirm of Covington & Burling, Washington, D.C., and is president of ARMA International. He may be reached at leiring@cov.com.

Copyright Association of Records Managers and Administrators Inc. Jan 2001
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