Intranets for Info Pros

Citation

Reid, C.D. (2009), "Intranets for Info Pros", Library Review, Vol. 58 No. 4, pp. 323-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530910952882

Organizations have been developing intranets since the mid nineties. However the recent Global Intranet Analysis Report (McConnell, 2007) reports that intranets are far from fulfilling their full potential and few are being managed as a strategic asset. Kennedy, in her introduction to this volume, states that “many intranets are little more than communication vehicles or information repositories. Their potential for enabling the successful achievement of organizational objectives remains largely untapped”. With the majority of organizations today being dependent on information, this book focuses on what information professionals can do, within the context of an intranet, to add value to their organization. It aims to provide an understanding of the potential of an intranet by providing examples that have made a difference.

The book consists of an introduction and eleven chapters. Kennedy and Dysart have brought together ten consultants to draw on their knowledge and expertise for the individual chapters. Kennedy has herself written four of the chapters drawing on her extensive knowledge management experience. The volume begins by laying out some of the intranet challenges faced by information professionals – both now and in the future. Chapters then go on to discuss the implementation steps for initial and ongoing success; the governance issues of who is responsible for what; collaboration and communities of practice; content management practices; writing online content; portals and information architecture; intranet search functionality and web design.

Each chapter is a good practical introduction to the topic with case studies and illustrations being used where appropriate. Each ends with key takeaways or lessons learned which further adds to the value of the book. The intention of this book is that each chapter can be used on its own. However if you are involved in implementing or contributing to an intranet, there is much to be learnt from every chapter. An eight page bibliography allows for more in depth reading while the index at the end makes the text even more accessible.

Intranets were developed using the same technology as the internet beginning life as static html pages. Today's intranet can be a powerful tool for information sharing and knowledge management and tends to be much more of a collaborative environment utilising Web 2.0 technologies. If managed well, an intranet can be a powerful organizational resource. Intranets and content management are likely to be key tasks for the information professional in coming years. As Davenport states in his introduction to this book “You need this knowledge and you need it now!” Better get reading before the technology moves on again.