This essay (a) responds to an assignment prompt regarding whether LIS needs and has a philosophy and (b) seeks to give a comprehensive, yet focused conceptual analysis of the ‘tacit knowledge’ philosophy and its application to knowledge management practice through the context setting of relevant definitions and perspectives regarding (1) library and information science, (2) philosophy, (3) ‘personal’ or ‘tacit’ knowledge, and (4) knowledge management – accompanied with reflections of the author’s personal experiences.