What foundational element is essential for determining if supporting material should be included with a KCS article?

The foundational element that is essential for determining if supporting material should be included with a KCS article is a maintained repository. In the context of Knowledge-Centered Service (KCS), a maintained repository refers to the organized and up-to-date collection of knowledge articles that can be referenced and reused. This repository serves as the basis for evaluating which supporting materials, such as screenshots, links, or documents, are necessary to enhance the clarity and usefulness of the core content.

When considering whether to include supporting material, it's crucial to assess the information already present in the maintained repository. This evaluation helps ensure that any additional content genuinely contributes to filling knowledge gaps or providing clarity for users seeking help. If the repository is well-maintained and contains rich, relevant content, it can inform the best practices regarding what supplementary information is most beneficial.

This focus on the maintained repository enables KCS practitioners to avoid redundancy and ensure that the knowledge shared is not only accurate but also practical and directly relevant to users' needs—ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of the knowledge management process.