This paper discusses knowledge management (KM) in relation to a shared cataloging system in Japanese university libraries. The first section describes the Japanese scene related to knowledge management and the working environment, including the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) model, the context of knowledge, and potential changes in the management of universities and university libraries. The second section addresses KM in a shared cataloging system, including services of NII/NACSIS (National Institute of Informatics/National Center for Science Information Systems), the NACSIS-CAT shared cataloging service, and training and user support. The third section considers the future of university libraries in regard to information/knowledge. (MES)