Howdy, Listers:
For a course in Knowledge Management that I'm taking in this, my last
semester, I'm preparing a term-long project on the feasibility,
considerations, and pitfalls involved in implementing a knowledgebase at a
private law firm. The "knowledgebase" is typically a database containing
frequently-used forms, oft-ecountered legal issues in memorandum format, or
client/attorney/judicial background information. In particular, the project
addresses:
* Difficulty of getting contributions from attorneys, particularly since
contributing material is generally not billable.
* Overcoming job security concerns from attorneys who feel that sharing
knowledge might make them expendable.
* Maintaining privilege, client confidentiality, and conflict walls.
* Organizing submissions so they can be accessed easily.
* Choosing the right database / Is a relational database adequate?
* Editorial control over knowledgebase content--removal of outdated
content, prevention of duplicates.
* What sort of submissions are most amenable to knowledgebase treatment
(memoranda, forms, client info)?
So, I was wondering what sorts of experiences firm librarians have had in
attempting to implement a knowledgebase, whether it succeeded, and why. All
replies will be held in strictest confidence, and no identifying information
will be divulged in the project report. The scope limitation to private
practice is largely arbitrary, so I would also welcome input from those from
outside the private sector who have encountered analogous issues in setting
up their own knowledgebases, as well.
Please reply off-list if you have insight to share. Normally, I would
summarize responses to the list when the project is submitted in April, but,
due to the potentially sensitive nature of the information, I will only do
so if given express permission to that effect, in which event, no
identifying information will be provided. Thank you all in advance, and I
hope to hear from you.
-- David E. Matchen, Jr., Esq. MLIS Candidate Dominican University GSLIS 7900 W. Division Street River Forest, IL 60305 dmatchen@gmail.com"There are 10 types of people: those who understand binary, and those who don't."
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