Knowledge Retrieval
Finding and accessing stored knowledge when needed for application or reference.
Also known as: Finding knowledge, Information retrieval, Knowledge access
Category: Concepts
Tags: knowledge-work, retrieval, search, personal-knowledge-management, information
Explanation
Knowledge retrieval is the process of finding and accessing stored knowledge when needed for application, reference, or further development. Effective retrieval is often the bottleneck in knowledge systems - knowledge stored but not findable provides no value. Retrieval approaches include: search (querying by keywords), browsing (navigating structures), association (following connections), and serendipitous discovery (unexpected finding). Factors affecting retrieval include: organization quality, search capabilities, memory of what exists, and time since storage. The 'collector's fallacy' describes having knowledge stored but unable to access it when needed. Improving retrieval involves: effective organization at input, good search systems, regular review (maintaining awareness of stored knowledge), and connection-building (linking related items). Digital tools offer powerful search, but also risk making retrieval dependent on specific platforms. For knowledge workers, effective retrieval means: organizing for findability, using capable search tools, regularly reviewing stored knowledge, and building connections that enable serendipitous rediscovery.
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