Convergence of Digital Libraries with Knowledge Management: IIITMK Experience
Sainul Abideen P and K.R. Srivathsan
Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala
Park Centre, Technopark Kariyavattom PO
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India PIN 695 581
{Sainul, director}@iiitmk.ac.in
 

Abstract

Presents the advances in Information Technology that lead to the emergence of Digital Libraries. Due to the flexibility of managing the metadata framework, presentation, group-specific collaboration, selective dissemination of information and sharing, we need to view Digital Libraries also as adjuncts to Knowledge Management [KM]. Such KM centric view of Digital Library and the management of its functions help us utilize it much more effectively than traditional libraries. The role of digital libraries in the context of collaborative environment and KM will help us in the promotion of knowledge based wealth creation processes. This paper brings out the issues involved in the KM view of Digital Libraries. The approach taken at IIITM-K in managing its Digital Library to support KM services is stated briefly. The knowledge transfer mechanisms in traditional Libraries and in Digital Libraries are compared. The converging components of a digital library collaborative environment are discussed with special reference to features of ACADO Digital Library software being used in IIITMK. Application of Knowledge based collaborative system in Kerala Education Grid is described.