NIH Knowledge Management Interest Group
Frequently
Asked Questions
I. What is Knowledge Management?
Good question!
If you ask a dozen different people this question, you will probably get a dozen different answers. There is no set, definite answer to this question, and the KMIG has no definition which they formally endorse. At an early meeting, we discussed some possible definitions of KM, and then decided to table the discussion until a later date. The topic remains tabled at this time.
Probably the best statement about the definition of KM comes from KM.gov, the federal government's main KM website: "Perhaps the only thing to agree on is that knowledge management is at the intersection of culture, philosophy and technology. It is what we know, how we know and how we share."
Knowledge Management is not technology, though technology plays a role. It is not process engineering, though that plays a role. It is not psychology, but that plays a role. It is not business management, anthropology or sociology, but these all play roles.
Knowledge Management is about how we manage what we know. It is a field as old as humanity itself, stretching back to storytelling around tribal campfires and reaching forward into our world of high-speed electronic communications. It is how we share our knowledge with those around us.
For a brief and incomplete list of possible KM-related topics, see our topics page.
II. What is the KMIG
The KMIG is a collection of users, practitioners and folks just interested in Knowledge Management from across the NIH community.
III. Who may attend KMIG meetings?
Anyone at NIH may attend, whether federal employee or contractor. Individuals from outside organizations such as universities or research institutions who are involved in collaborative relationships with NIH staff may also attend.
Vendors, salespeople or contractors looking for business may attend only by prior arrangement with the chair. The KMIG vendor policy is here.
IV. When are group meetings held?
The KMIG meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 2:30 PM. Changes to this schedule will be announced on the group's website (http://www.nih.gov/sigs/kmig) and their listserv mailing list.
Generally, there is no meeting in the month of December, and the November meeting is usually shifted slightly to accomodate the Thanksgiving holiday. Watch the list or website for details.
V. Where are meetings held and how do I get there?
The meetings are usually held on the NIH campus in Building 12B, second floor conference room. This is a venue change as of May 2003. Complete directions and information can be found here.
If you require special accomodations to attend the meeting, please contact the chair.
VI. What is the format of the meetings?
Generally, the meeting is opened with a few brief remarks by the chair, after which the meeting is immediately turned over to that session's speaker. Presentations usually last 20 to 25 minutes and are followed by a period for questions and discussion, about 10 to 15 minutes. After that we have a roundtable where we go around the room and talk about our own work or interest in KM. Then the meeting is adjourned. We usually finish in under 90 minutes.
VII. Can I see notes and minutes from prior meetings?
Minutes and slides from prior meetings are available in the Archives section of this website. Just select the meeting you would like to review.
VIII. How are meetings publicized?
Currently meetings are announced on our website, via the KMIG listserv list, on the CIT Training website and in the NIH Calendar of Events (Yellow Sheet). We are currently exploring other avenues of publicity.
IX. How are topics and speakers chosen?
Anyone may suggest a topic or speaker. Generally, the chair then follows up with the potential speaker, reviews the topic for suitability and makes the arrangements for the presentation. If you are interested in presenting a topic, take a look at our speaker's faq.
X. How do I join the group?
There's a "Join the SIG" option on the main KMIG page. This will add you to the member list and subscribe you to our listserv mailing list.
XI. Who do I contact for more information?
The group's chair is Geoffrey Marsh. You may contact him via email at geoffm@nih.gov (best bet) or phone/voicemail at 301-594-9683.
Knowledge Management Interest Group
http://www.nih.gov/sigs/kmig
Contact: Geoffrey Marsh
geoffm@nih.gov
This page was last updated on August 26, 2002.