TFPL's customer newsletter, Summer 2008

This is the third newsletter of 2008 and at the mid year point many organisations are dealing with the effects of the volatile economic climate. Others, including TFPL, are coping with ongoing change. Our holding company has acquired another small company and they are moving into the offices at Queen Victoria Street. This means that we are reorganising the office space which will give us all a change of view and another excuse for a clear out. A clear desk policy makes a lot of sense when the desks move regularly.

Darron Chapman, MD

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According to McKinsey, an outcome of the economic downturn is the growth in numbers of Chief Strategy Officers. Although their role is to help organisations plan for the future while dealing with short term challenges, McKinsey claims that people in this 'relatively new role' are struggling to define the role and its objectives. We find this trend is particularly interesting and very relevant to the theme of ebic 2008 where we will be concerned with developing innovative strategies for future while dealing with current challenges.
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We need strategies which will ensure that information and knowledge management (IM and KM) makes a positive and explicit contribution to the success of organisations and communities. We are also convinced, as many of you know, that effective IM and KM is dependant on collaboration between a number of different disciplines. Strategic planners are major users and creators of corporate knowledge and should be high on an information or knowledge director's partner list. Indeed, many people in KIM roles can and do work closely with strategy units. Some of us at TFPL have been involved with the Strategic Planning Society for several years. Perhaps it is time for all of us to take a more active interest in this activity.

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The last few months have also brought immense suffering and grief to the people of Burma and China through natural disasters. It has been a reminder to all of us, that while we come to terms with uncomfortable economic conditions, many people in all parts of the world struggle to meet basic requirements and live in hostile environments. When faced with such distressing news we all want to help and it has been heartening to see examples of how imaginative information management is helping aid to reach those who most need it. At our successful Sharepoint seminar in April Stephen Buckley demonstrated graphically how Christian Aid's information management helps to get aid workers and resources mobilised and effective within 24 hours of a major incident. At ebic we will explore the innovative ways that the third sector is using IM and KM to help make aid effective. For more information, please visit the ebic Social Impact Awards web page.

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Applications to attend our April Sharepoint seminar far exceeded places and the event proved to be an effective forum for sharing experience and ideas. We are delighted that we have been able to organise a second Sharepoint event on 8th July. We have also published a report of the April event summarising some of the issues raised. This report will be available soon. Read more ›

The use of collaborative software presents technical and operational challenges but it brings enough real benefit that many organisations are willing to ensure that they can implement their chosen application as quickly as possible; however, there are managerial and governance implications that are not so readily addressed or recognised. TFPL is undertaking joint research with Napier University to identify these issues and assess their potential impact. Hazel Hall, Reader in the School of Computing at Napier, who worked with us on a skills project last year, and a Napier Research Assistant will be working with TFPL's Melanie Goody, Director of Consultancy and Belinda Blaswick on a pilot project over the next four months. Information about the work will be on the website shortly but meanwhile Melanie (melanie.goody@tfpl.com) or Belinda (belinda.blaswick@tfpl.com) will be pleased to update you. There will also be preliminary information about the findings and potential future research at ebic.

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TFPL Connect, launched in February 2008, is proving to be a popular network for people enthusiastic about IM and KM. The second cross sector meeting on the 2008 theme 'The Future of Work' was held at the RSA on 10th June and a summary of that event will be available on the TFPL Connect web site shortly. Read more ›

The first special interest group (The Law SIG) has held its setup meeting and has determined a programme of events for the next 12 months. SIGs are member led. Anyone who feels that their particular employment sector or area of interest would benefit from a focused discussion forum is welcome to discuss this with Luisa Jefford, Director of Recruitment, (luisa.jefford@tfpl.com) or Angela Abell (angela.abell@tfpl.com). If it is a viable group, we will provide a TFPL contact to help facilitate the SIG. The Law SIG is facilitated by Ruth Ward, Head of Knowledge Systems and Development, Allen and Overy and Belinda Blaswick, Consultant, TFPL. TFPL Connect members can access the SIG via the TFPL Connect members' website.

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We are pleased to welcome Ed Taylor and Susanne Osterlund who have been recruited to work as Consultants to strengthen our existing team. Ed has a Bsc in Information and Communication Management from Northumbria University and has over 3 years experience within an IT Recruitment role. Susanne Osterlund has spent the past two years working in the USA and also brings with her considerable experience of recruitment. Susanne is working specifically with our clients in the Information Technology space where we are seeing an increase in demand from our market place. She holds a BA in Corporate Communications. Read more ›

As yet we haven't seen a major decline in KM/IM and, although some senior posts have been affected as organisations try to protect themselves from the economic downturn by restructuring teams across the organisation. Employers are taking the management of their knowledge and information resources seriously and are employing a wide range of expertise to develop KIM processes and resources which support corporate aims.

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The implementation of Web 2 technologies and collaborative software such as Sharepoint – is increasing the need for support in developing the KIM strategies, rules, tools and processes resulting in a demand for consultancy and tailored training in all areas associated with RM, KM, IM and LIS. Records, information and knowledge strategies; information architecture - rules, tools, and processes; rationalisation and redesign of library and information services; all are developed via a mix of techniques including audits, facilitated workshops, scenario planning, etc. Whatever the technique, successful outcomes increasingly depend on an effective team of consultants and trainers with a mix of skills and experience.

TFPL open access courses continue to reflect the concerns of the market place by continuing to run the established favourites such as 'Foundations of KM' while piloting courses in emerging areas of interest.

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I started the first half of the year feeling that 2008 was going to be a challenge – and I was right. But I have met some great clients and supportive suppliers. I have also attended fascinating events – including Perfect Information’s conference in June - and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Department of Information Science at the University of Sheffield, I am enjoying contributing to the development of the next generation of KIM specialists. The next six months will be equally full of challenge, interest and fun. In addition to TFPL activities, I am currently attending the SLA conference in Seattle and TFPL will be involved in many other KIM related events before the end of December. But most importantly we will be doing what we can to support our colleagues in client and supplier organisations. We look forward to seeing you at our events and network meetings; and to hearing from you about the way we can work with you.

Darron Chapman
Managing Director

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