Takkro

Knowledge, a value that keeps us in existence

This Mind Fest is a repository for my writings, book reviews, thoughts and comments on a miscellany of topics that interest me.

About

In my professional career as an information specialist and knowledge expert over 40+ years, I have sought to encourage and promote good IM/KM practices with a missionary zeal.

Disappointments occurred along the way, but by and large it has been a successful and happy career, with many significant achievements. I have been very lucky to follow a profession that brought me so much satisfaction.

Career Highlights

Information specialist managing an R&D Library in the field of metallurgy. A challenging and exciting period working at the cutting edge of science and technology, plus involvement in the early application of computers in libraries.

This fascination for science, technology and computers encouraged me to advance my skills, resulting in my Fellowship thesis on “A State-of–the-Art Survey of Retrieval Language Systems in Metallurgy.”

Time to move on and widen my experiences and knowledge with short postings: a stint introducing computerisation in a large public library, followed by a project to create a special classification for a personal collection on bio-medical engineering.

A career change from private to public service with a posting to an economics library at the Department of Trade (DTI), great for broadening experiences and working in teams.

Promoted to the Management Library at the Civil Service Department and gained expertise in a subject area then becoming recognised as essential for all aspiring managers and leaders.

Finally, back to the DTI to head the Department of Industry Library, where I was able to apply all the skills learned during subsequent career moves, and which I enjoyed enormously. This culminated with a dream task to lead the IM/KM project for the DTI nationwide.

During this period, I enhanced my studies further by obtaining my MPhil from Strathclyde University, the theme: “Access to Information in Key and Emerging Technologies”

Business Profile

As a freelance Information/Knowledge Consultant, I advised small enterprises in private and voluntary sectors. I was a pioneer for introducing the skills of IM/KM into organisations for them to manage their own data, and create the knowledge needed to drive their enterprises forward. In addition, I created bespoke taxonomies for the business and trained staff to use these systems.

Expertise

Track record of delivering benefits to business through good management and leadership skills – a ‘hands on’ achiever; IM/KM expertise; trained to analyse and evaluate data content; wide subject knowledge; managing teams; good creative and writing skills.

Volunteering

My objective is to give something back from all the knowledge, skills and experiences gained during my working life; thus my pro bono contributions extend widely.

I have experience as a Trustee and Board Member, a School Governor, and a London Excellence Award Assessor. I have volunteered for CMI extensively, having served as committee member and Chair of a Branch. I am currently on the management team of CMI Women’s Hub, London.

Art is one of my passionate interests, and I have actively contributed to the work of: The Musgrave/Kinley Outsider Art Collection; The Foundation of Women’s Art; and continue to do so for Art UK, and the UK Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

I co-ordinate the CSNet Book Discussion Group, which meets quarterly to discuss business and management books with their authors.

Interests: Outdoor activities, culture, travelling, gardening, reading, charitable work, etc.

Professional & Academic Profile

Mae Keary MPhil; Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (FCILIP); Knowledge Management Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Professionals (KMFCILIP); Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI). OU Diplomas in System Management and System Behaviour.