1. A computer-implemented process for use in a computer network that includes at least two computers communicatively coupled to each other, the process comprising the steps of: (a) accepting a first user's request; (b) searching a local knowledge object repository comprising local knowledge each of the local knowledge objects being associated with the first user; (c) searching a central knowledge object repository comprising contributed knowledge objects; (d) returning to the first user a list of links for all matching local and contributed knowledge objects, said matching local and contributed knowledge objects being marked either local or published or listed; (e) allowing access to said matching local and contributed knowledge objects if the first user chooses a knowledge object marked local or published; (f) forwarding the first user's request to a second user and prompting the second user for authorization of access if the first user chooses a knowledge object marked listed from the list, the second user having control of access to the knowledge object marked listed object; (g) returning to the first user the chosen knowledge object marked listed if the second user allows access; (h) notifying the first user that the request is not completed if the second user declines access to the listed knowledge object.