From information, to data, to knowledge – Digital Scholarship Centers: An emerging transdisciplinary digital knowledge and research methods integrator in academic and research libraries

Abstract

In this essay, the authors will discuss the similarities and differences of knowledge management and librarianship. They will propose and articulate the emerging role of academic and research libraries as the integrators of digital knowledge and research methods among academic enterprises, a role which they believe will transform librarians to knowledge professionals. The authors will try to answer or stimulate further discussion of multi-dimensional and provocative questions such as: What are the critical differences between knowledge management and library and information science? Will emerging functions or services, such as digital scholarship centers and research data management practices, allow academic and research libraries to more fully perform the functions of knowledge management? Will libraries’ emerging role in the knowledge creation ecosystem help define their new value proposition, from a collection-centric to knowledge-centric service model? How should libraries position library-based digital scholarship centers to be digital integrators for enterprise-wide digital learning, research, and knowledge creation?