Discover the nature and role of communities of practice (CoPs) and learn how to create and successfully sustain them in Building and Sustaining Communities of Practice. Examine compelling evidence that these communities, which create, gather, and share knowledge as part of formal knowledge management efforts, are assuming a new role in knowledge work and Knowledge Management (KM) systems. CoPs are gaining prominence as boundary-spanning units in organizations responsible for finding and sharing best practices, stewarding knowledge, and helping members work better. Learn the types of CoPs and their characteristics; how CoPs fit within a KM strategy; successful approaches to planning, initiating, and sustaining CoPs; necessary support structures and roles; enablers such as information technology; and measurement and assessment.