Legal Knowledge and Information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Abstract

In this article Caroline Mack provides an introduction to knowledge and information management services in the Legal Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She describes the development of the organisation's library services in recent years, then traces the development of her own role from a Legal Librarian to a Knowledge and Information Manager. While continuing to maintain a print and electronic library service for its lawyers, the Legal Directorate has increasingly recognised the value of effective knowledge and information management in all areas of its work. The article outlines the decision to implement a Directorate-wide knowledge and information management Strategy and the impact this has had on its work. The article also considers how the provision of library and information services are affected by external pressures and events, such as the change in priorities brought about by the EU Referendum result.