Academic Information Technology and Libraries creates access
to scientific and health information and develops knowledge management systems
that enhance learning, teaching, research, and patient-care at the University
of Cincinnati Academic Health Center.
Outstanding customer service | Collaborations and partnerships | Information
and technology leadership | Community service
The business of the Academic Health Center is based on knowledge. The success of the
Academic Health Center is largely dependent on how effectively individuals are able
to manage vast stores of data and information. Knowledge is
the integration and application of data and information combined with insight
and understanding gained from experience. Context is an important differentiator
of knowledge and information. The central notion of knowledge management
is to design tools for individuals to acquire, produce, store, distribute and
integrate information in ways that they can transform it into knowledge.
Our vision for knowledge management sees individuals having reliable, secure access to information that is organized, filtered, and highly relevant for specific tasks and needs defined by personal profiles. Smart tool sets and portals help individuals transform data and information into knowledge to support their role(s) at the Academic Health Center. Smart tool sets will evolve to become the next generation knowledge management applications that we call "smart digital services."
The technology will begin to fade into the background as embedded artificial intelligence engines, voice recognition, voice synthesis, wireless, miniature devices, and a multitude of special purpose computers are employed in health environments. The Internet and the Web will be the communication and interface standards for virtually all systems. Security and privacy issues will be fully resolved, providing greater security and privacy than a paper environment.
A fully redesigned AIT&L facility in the renovated Medical Sciences Building and CARE building, designed to customer-designed specifications, will be the Academic Health Center's "information commons," providing to customers a full range of library, information, and technology services and products. While state funding will continue to diminish, extramural funding through grants and contracts will grow, as will gifts and endowments, creating an entrepreneurial environment that encourages research and development.
