Implementing knowledge management in university libraries of Punjab, Pakistan
| Pages | 83-94 |
| Date | 21 May 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-08-2017-0065 |
| Published date | 21 May 2018 |
| Author | Shamshad Ahmed,Arslan Sheikh,Muhammad Akram |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Library & information services,Lending,Document delivery,Collection building & management,Stock revision,Consortia |
Implementing knowledge management in
university libraries of Punjab, Pakistan
Shamshad Ahmed
Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
Arslan Sheikh
Department of Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan, and
Muhammad Akram
Department of Library and Information Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose –Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging method of management. This study aims to explore the various aspects of implementing
KM in university libraries of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach –A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and data were collected from 75 chief librarians and
reference librarians of 48 university libraries of Pakistan. A total of 60 valid responses received and analyzed using SPSS version-21.
Findings –The results disclose that a majority of respondents are familiar with KM, and literature reading is the major source of their awareness.
The Pakistani academic librarians believe that KM can be applied, in the reference services, resources sharing, networking and information literacy
programs of libraries. While, need for professional training and KM education are also reported. KM can be implemented in libraries throu gh, use of
ICT, developing knowledge sharing culture and developing mentorship in organizations. A lack of staff training, lack of expertise in KM, lack of
knowledge gaining and sharing culture, lack of understanding of KM concept and its benefits and a lack of IT infrastructure are the major challenges
faced by library and information science (LIS) professionals. Communication skills, information management skills, IT skills, leadership skills, human
resource management skills are identified as key skills for the implementation of KM.
Practical implications –This study provides a base to develop a KM strategy and implementation plan for academic libraries in Pakista n. It will
facilitate to constitute an important step toward the management of intangible assets in Pakista ni libraries.
Originality/value –The results of the study will unveil the perceptions of academic librarians toward KM. It will help to understand the relationship
between KM and LIS. The study will also identify the challenges faced by librarians and skills required for the implementation of KM in libraries.
Keywords Pakistan, Libraries, Information management, Knowledge management, Academic librarians, Knowledge implementation
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Rapid technological changes are takingplace in the current age
of information. Kumar (2010)and Sian Lee and Kelkar (2013)
report that libraries are going through extraordinarychanges in
their environment due to impact of, globalization, flow of
information, economic competition and communication
technologies. Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging
concept and method of management (Massingham, 2014). It
emerged as a business trend in 1990, and nowit has become a
crucial tool for enhancement of performance in all types of
organizations, including business or service oriented and
government or private organizations. KM is a process of
creating, storing, sharing and re-using organizational
knowledge, which enables an organization to achieve its goals
and objectives (White, 2004). KM has great significance for
librarians, libraries and information centers (Nazim and
Husain, 2013;Nazim and Mukherjee, 2013a;Serenko et al.,
2016;Abukhader, 2016). It is a key for the success and
existence of academic libraries (Porumbeanu, 2010) and is an
important asset of any organization (Gandhi, 2004). The goal
of KM is to improve the efficacy and to maintain the existence
of an organization (Marouf, 2017)and to raise the outputs and
functional efficiency through maximum usage of knowledge
(Wen, 2005).
KM has a relationship with library and information science
(LIS); however, some consider it absolutely a new subject and
several think it is merely a rebranding of librarianship or
information management (Sarrafzadeh et al., 2010). Al Saifi
(2015) and Intezari et al. (2017) report that KM and
organizational culture has a profound linkage. Nazim and
Husain (2013) reported that concepts of librarians about KM
are varied. Roknuzzaman and Umemoto (2009) claimed that
KM and LIS are interdisciplinary subjects. Townley (2001)
stated there are similarities and dissimilarities in KM and
librarianship. Rahmatullah Shah and Mahmood (2013) report
university librarians in Pakistan have positive attitudes toward
KM, but most of the librariansdo not understand KM and face
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on
Emerald Insight at: www.emeraldinsight.com/2398-6247.htm
Information Discovery and Delivery
46/2 (2018) 83–94
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2398-6247]
[DOI 10.1108/IDD-08-2017-0065]
Received 28 August 2017
Revised 5 January 2018
Accepted 2 April 2018
83
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