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Title:
Making Knowledge Visible
Review:
There are some people in the information world for whom I have the
deepest respect. They have an awesome depth and breadth of knowledge.
Liz Orna heads my list. She wears her learning gracefully, and
anything she publishes is worthwhile - she's excellent with the
practicalities of information. So: having set out that I'm a fan,
what of this latest publication?
How does one make knowledge visible? Orna posits that knowledge
requires information as a product (as a body requires food, or a car
fuel, if you will). The ingestion/digestion of this thus creates
further knowledge, the transformational point being when internal
becomes external in an ongoing sine-wave. Information products are but
a collection of symbols, independent of their material form. Orna
defines information products as embodying substantial content: they
allow users to do something they need/want to do, rather than being an
object which must be 'sold' to them. She presents the basic ideas on
information products. She posits their proper use in how organisations
use knowledge and information to achieve whatever they are in business
for. She offers practical proposals for action to find out how well
products currently fulfil that role; and then to upgrade their
performance. She involves the thoughtful reader at all stages of this
process.
The book is 203 pages long, plus an index. Clear diagrams, lots of
them. Four sections, with four chapters in each, and lots of real-life
stories and examples of what to do - and what not to do. A number of
excellent references at the end of each chapter.
In Part 1, Orna lays out the basic concept of an information product.
Part 2 puts information products (IPs) in an organisational context.
It covers the business of the organisation, the value that IPs add
(and subtract); the stakeholders and their interests. Part 3 - In
support of IPs - covers knowledge and information management in
support of IPs; infrastructure for IPs (information systems,
technology tools), and information design, the reconciler of
conflicting needs. Part 4 is headed Action for IP value - a practical
process - and if you seek a template, seek no more. There is also a
chapter on IP auditing. It comes with a health risk warning - only
start this process if you are utterly convinced of its benefits, and
have plenty of colleagues (the more senior, the better) to support
you. And, vitally, if you have a positive response from the top of the
organisation. Otherwise, bide your time, and wait for the climate to
change. In other words, do not beat your head against a brick wall,
nor raise it so far above the parapet you lose it to a passing sniper.
Difficult if you've not been in the profession that long, and you're
eager to make your mark!
As those within it are aware, information within the NHS is beset by
many changes, and for anyone within this particular sector seeking a
practical guide, I would recommend this book. Indeed, I'm looking
forward to exploring in greater depth some of the points raised within
its pages with my IT colleagues - and I shall ensure any walls are
padded, not brick. However, it would also be of great use to
information workers in small companies, whose practices aren't quite
in line with how things should be. Buy it!
Free Pint Reviewer:
Zena Woodley lives in London, and is currently Library Resources
Manager for Mid Essex Health Trust, at Broomfield Hospital, in
Chelmsford. She has enjoyed a varied career within the information
field, and - with twenty years' experience - finds it evident that
some professional problems transcend sector boundaries. She is
currently grappling with the interesting structures of NHS IT, against
those of commercial companies. Her real delight, even after this
double decade in information provision, is happy enquirers - and new
knowledge. Her work-life balance is satisfied by attending as many
concerts and operas as her overdraft will allow, and ringing tower
bells.
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