It is a widely accepted that Knowledge Management constitutes a key asset for the information professional. Management theory has always pointed to the fact that libraries and librarians in particular play an important role in an organization (be it an enterprise, a city, or a society as a whole). The papers collected in this volume demonstrate why and how - from the libraries' perspective. They discuss some fundamental implications of Knowledge Management as a key activity area for libraries, analyse key issues and instruments and give some best practice examples. Among the contributing authors the reader will find Larry Prusak, James Matarazzo, Michael Koenig, Rafael Capurro, Susan Henczel, Irene Wormell and Rainer Kuhlen. The book brings together eighteen important texts for the topic not only from IFLA workshops and conferences but also from other sources such as the SLA (Special Libraries Association). The inclusion of several original contributions makes this reader essential for all concerned with the future role of the library in business and society.

Libraries, archives and museums have traditionally been a part of the public sphere's infrastructure. They have been so by providing public access to culture and knowledge, by being agents for enlightenment and by being public meeting places in their communities. Digitization and globalization poses new challenges in relation to upholding a sustainable public sphere. Can libraries, archives and museums contribute in meeting these challenges?