Draft
KM Researcher
The KM Researcher is responsible for supporting the information needs of the organization’s
employees. A KM Researcher can interact with users from all possible user communities and
business units, as well as a virtual KM team of colleagues. The KM Researcher uses an
extensive collection of internal and external information resources to gather, filter, package and
deliver information to requestors.
There seems to be four possible locations that the Knowledge Researcher can reside:
1) The KM Researcher can be located in a KM Center or Information Center of the organization
2) The KM Researcher can be located in a business unit/service line/Industry practice or related
library
3) The KM Researcher can be located in a central library or satellite library of the organization
4) The KM Research can be located virtually anywhere globally and may work from home
KM Researcher Competencies:
The competencies necessary for a KM Researcher depend upon the nature of the work they
perform for specific customers and where they reside in the organization. Most KM Researcher
will have a Master’s of Library Science (MLS) with sufficient experience and training in
reference research and/or some form of specialized research in one or more Industry areas. They
have experience with office tools and social networking tools and a wealth of knowledge about
external resources. The overall competencies most appropriate for a KM Worker include the
following knowledge, skills, aptitude, and attributes.
Knowledge:
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In-depth knowledge and experience in providing research assistance using reference
interviewing techniques to ascertain the specific information needs and the required
deliverable(s) for KM Analysts, other KM team members, and organizational customers
Knowledge of how to perform complex research requests and synthesize information into
established or customized pre-formatted deliverables (e.g. summaries, abstracts, and
reports) to meet the customer’s needs
Knowledge of what is required for involvement in a major research project for a customer
Knowledge of the organization’s business structure and functions
Knows how to demonstrate a responsive, reliable, client-oriented approach when requests
are made
Knows how to successfully manage deliverables
Knowledgeable about the office systems and KM applications that allow access to both
internal and external content
Knows how to maintain both short-term and long-term goals and create action plans to
achieve them
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Knows how to leverage resources to complete projects in a quality manner while
managing timetables, budgets and staff
Skills:
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Skilled at implementing new and improved KM processes through process and content
teams
Skilled at updating and maintaining knowledge of new information sources (both print
and electronic)
Skilled at maintaining subject expertise through appropriate development activities, (e.g.,
continuing education, training, reading, and vendor presentations)
Skilled at performing established internal research procedures
Skilled at demonstrating to customers and requesters, the self-service steps necessary to
access the appropriate KM resources and obtain required information
Skilled at participating in or leading non-research projects that require background
knowledge of particular subject and/or resource identification
Skilled at project management
Skilled at providing education and training on KM internal and external resources
Skilled in performing counseling responsibilities to assigned staff
Skilled at producing high-quality, on time work products
Skilled at synthesizing volumes of information and presenting a summary deliverable of
what the customer requested to address their business needs
Abilities:
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Ability to break up tasks into manageable parts and organize them in a systematic manner
Ability to think analytically and understand key issues in a complex situation
Ability to creatively think and be willing to explore new ideas and approaches with
customers
Ability to demonstrate effective listening skills and be able to clearly define what the
customer is asking for and what they actually need
Ability to prioritize tasks and demonstrate the ability to handle multiple assignments
concurrently
Ability to quickly identify customer needs, manage customer expectations, and
recommend appropriate solutions
Ability to deliver consistent results individually and in a team environment
Ability to complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Ability to bring clarity and definition to projects that are often highly unstructured,
initially ambiguous, and complex
Attributes:
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Influences and persuades others
Constantly seeks to learn new skills and keep current
Adapts to changing customer needs
Vocal and speaks up for what they believe in
Creates a sense of openness
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Systemic researcher
Respects diversity
Works effectively with people in different cultures
Values the input and ideas of others
Offers assistance
Willingly to share information without needing to be asked
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
Good project management
Strong research and analytical skills
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree required and Masters of Library Science degree strongly preferred
Training on KM applications and vendor products and services, as required
Proficient in MS Office and social networking tools
Years of Experience:
Minimum of 1 - 3 years of experience in a corporate information center or library