Future-Proof Your Knowledge Team: Continuity Planning Made Simple

In this world nothing is certain, except death and taxes

So says Benjamin Franklin, anyway.

But, if the last five years have taught us anything, it is that uncertainty is the new normal, and we all need to evolve. From the changing political landscape, to pandemics and the astronomic rise of technology (even a year ago AI was a fringe tool) there’s a lot to take in. And it can be hard to consider how it all affects us and our work in real terms.

So, what can you do to ensure you and your knowledge team are on the right side of change? And how can you build a resilient library function that will thrive, no matter what twists and turns arrive?

Be Proactive

Across all businesses, smaller teams are more exposed to redundancies, staff departures, and the risk of losing critical knowledge - and knowledge and library functions are typically some of the leanest. They have a smaller budget and can be considered a cost centre by the business, rather than a strategic asset.

Information professionals and law librarians do a lot of unsung work behind the scenes; they do a lot of the grunt work that ensures lawyers and clients get accurate and essential information in a timely manner. But because it is behind the scenes, sometimes it can go unrecognised.

We have talked previously about how knowledge managers need to shine a light on the value of the work they do. 

But as well as stressing the return on investment that libraries provide to law firms, it is also important to consider how efficiency gains can be made. And how they can protect you from knowledge loss.

The use of a content aggregation platform ensures that librarians and research analysts are spending time on things that require their expertise, while the platform does the heavy lifting on searching, filtering and curating content. Plus, information management platforms ensure that key knowledge is retained in the software, rather than in someone’s head, preventing disruption from staff departures.

As small, dynamic teams, be proactive in increasing efficiency and promote the work you do to support the whole business.

Use New Tech (Wisely)

Content aggregation platforms like Vable have long been a valuable resource for information professionals. But in recent years, there has been a fundamental, rapid change in the technology available.

Up until recently, AI was but a whisper around the edges of legal tech, but now you barely go online without someone shouting about how it will transform the way you work.

And it can. It will.

But, as we’ve said before, AI is not a ready-made solution for knowledge teams. There are legitimate concerns about how it uses sources, copyright, and hallucinations. In the high-stakes world of law, those risks are simply unacceptable. But that does not mean turning your back on AI.

With the ability to identify trends, summarise efficiently, and automate repetitive tasks, AI feels like it was built with law librarians in mind. So you should use it, but be careful.

• Train teams to write detailed, accurate prompts
• Ensure scrutiny of AI outputs is built into the task
• Consider how you will determine if the sources used by your AI are licensed and compliant

Some content aggregation platforms are already using AI, but take care to select a platform that implements it in a way that supports you in these goals, rather than riding the wave of the trend.

Remember - AI should support your expertise, not replace it.

Embed A New Culture

The best way to future-proof is to make these changes part of your culture. Embed them in your team.

Encourage curiosity and adaptability so your library function is always ready to evolve with the wider business. Create a mindset where adopting new tools, streamlining workflows, and demonstrating impact isn’t a one-off project, but part of how you operate every day.

Future-ready knowledge teams don’t just react to change - they anticipate it. By combining the right technology with your expertise and making innovation part of your DNA, you’ll position your library as an indispensable, strategic asset in even the most unpredictable times.

Change is inevitable - but with the right approach, so is your success.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a checklist of what you can do today to future-proof your knowledge team.

✅ Showcase your value

• Communicate the return on investment your team delivers and highlight your role in supporting business success.

✅ Embrace technology strategically

• Leverage content aggregation platforms and AI to streamline workflows, but ensure tools meet your standards for accuracy and compliance.

✅ Safeguard your knowledge

• Use platforms that retain critical information in the system, protecting against disruption from staff changes.

✅ Build a culture of adaptability

• Make innovation and continuous improvement part of your team’s daily mindset.

✅ Position your team for the future

• Move from being a cost centre to a strategic partner in your organisation’s success.

Need some help in calculating ROI to showcase your value? Take a look at our guide: