Knowledge centre
Near-synonym for library,
documentation centre,
information centre,
knowledge shop etc. For example, the
Technological Library of Denmark changed its name to The Technical
Knowledge Center of Denmark (DTV).
Andersson & Skot-Hansen (1994, pp. 14+19) represent an attempt to define the concept of knowledge centre, in which the library functions as a place for education and enlightenment by providing study facilities focused user education and information retrieval services etc.
The same book also defines information centre as the role of the library of providing information for both the public as the goal-directed user. It includes reference services (cf. reference work), community information, community register, business services, tourist services etc.
The authors book also state that the library's role as knowledge center in which people come to increase their knowledge both in connection with a formal education and as an independent learning process should not be mixed up with the collection of information for specific purposes.
Literature:
Andersson, M. & Skot-Hansen,
D. (1994). Det lokale bibliotek - afvikling eller udvikling. København:
Danmarks Biblioteksskole og Udviklingscenteret for folkeoplysning og
voksenundervisning.
Bouter, A. (2000). Knowledge centre and knowledge management in the
caretaking of people with intellectual disability in the Netherlands.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 44(3-4), 107. (Meeting Abstract).
Dror, I & Bnaya,
D. (1984). Knowledge Centers - A technology and engineering hybrid.
R & D Management, 14(2), 81-91.
Moran, B. B. (1985). Academic Libraries: The Changing Knowledge Centers of Colleges and Universities. Prepared by ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education, the George Washington University. Washington, D.C. : Association for the Study of Higher Education. (Ashe-Eric Higher Education Reports no. 8).
Birger Hjørland
Last edited: 10-02-2006