Planning, implementing and managing online repositories: Lessons learned from the KnowGenesis Library

Authors

  • Saurabh Kudesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v13i2.2130

Abstract

Established in 2005, the KnowGenesis Online Library for Technical Communication (http://www.knowgenesis.org/tc) is India's first online repository dedicated to accelerate knowledge sharing and promote self-learning in the field of technical communication. The Library is available free of cost, requiring a one-time free registration to access available material. The popularity and success rate of the Library can be determined by the fact that within a year of its launch, it not only attracted more than 24,000 visitors and gained more than 1,500 subscribers, but also increased the volume of the hosted content from a few documents to more than 2,000 important documents, presentations, tutorials and links. The KnowGenesis (KG) Library presents a unique case for repository designers to study the complex design and implementation process that contributed to the stability and overall success rate of the online Library. This paper not only shares the designing and implementation challenges faced by the KnowGenesis team, but also presents the approach used to match the user requirements with the Library design. Based on the lessons learned during the process, the paper also presents specific set of guidelines and recommends methodologies that can provide critical assistance for developing and managing medium and large-scale repositories.

Author Biography

Saurabh Kudesia

Saurabh is the deputy director of Technical Communication Department currently working with UTStarcom Inc. ? a world leader in providing IP-based telecommunications equipment and solutions. The majority of his team members are in China with the rest in the U.S., Canada, and India. He has over nine years of professional experience as a writer, editor, columnist, and evaluator, and has the proven expertise to handle complex documentation projects in various domains for global audience. He has a rich track record of successfully completing more than 22 documentation projects and 8 medium/large size knowledge bases for IT/ITES, BPO, and product based companies/clients in U.S., U.K., Canada, China, Italy, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, South Africa, and India. He has a good experience in developing, implementing, and managing cost-effective document development life cycle and process flows to increase team efficiency, deliverable quality, and customer satisfaction. He was awarded the Best Project Adherence Award from CEO, HSBC Global Technology Center (India) for his unique methodological approach towards documentation development. He recently contributed and reviewed ISO/IEC 26512 (standards for acquirers and suppliers of user documentation). He is the associate editor of *Directives*, a newsletter published by the Society of Technical Communications' (STC) Management Special Interest Group (SIG) and co-founder, editor-in-chief of KnowGenesis International Journal for Technical Communication (IJTC) ? India's first online journal for technical communication (www.knowgenesis.net). He is a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and a member of the Publicity and Communications Committee, HCI-Hyderabad, India.

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How to Cite

Kudesia, S. (2008). Planning, implementing and managing online repositories: Lessons learned from the KnowGenesis Library. First Monday, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v13i2.2130