Actioning actionable knowledge: What do we mean by knowledge mobilisation?

Abstract

Managing and applying evidence from research and learning from experience to better effect are part of the solution to the challenges faced by healthcare systems. Health library and information professionals often struggle to convey what is meant by 'knowledge mobilisation'. This editorial examines definitions of 'knowledge' and 'knowledge mobilisation' in the context of information overload. Drawing on prior experience and existing Knowledge Management models and related frameworks, it offers a synthesis of these to identify key dimensions of knowledge mobilisation in the practice of information professionals, and examines the information functions required to mobilise knowledge. Aiming to support more effective communication, 'knowledge mobilisation' is expressed using three approaches: a mnemonic, a diagram and a table. The ambition is to stimulate dialogue and build consensus, potentially by conducting a modified e-Delphi study, in order to assist health librarians and knowledge managers to better position themselves to engage in knowledge mobilisation.