Knowledge management framework to the university libraries
| Date | 13 June 2016 |
| Published date | 13 June 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-01-2016-0005 |
| Pages | 221-236 |
| Author | Roberta Moraes de Bem,Christianne Coelho de Souza Reinisch Coelho,Gertrudes Aparecida Dandolini |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Knowledge management
framework to the
university libraries
Roberta Moraes de Bem,
Christianne Coelho de Souza Reinisch Coelho and
Gertrudes Aparecida Dandolini
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to propose a knowledge management framework
for university libraries (named GC@BU). The framework consists of three modules:
knowledge manage ment coordinatio n; knowledge resou rces; and learning c ommons, and uses as
theoretical assumptions the design of an university library (developed for the context of the
framework), the st andards for librari es in higher educati on of the Association of College
and Research Librar ies (ACRL) and the charac terization of the univ ersity library as a comp lex
adaptive system (CAS).
Design/methodology/approach –This framework was structured by a literature review and based
on models, methodologies and existing frameworks, being afterwards evaluated through focus groups
composed of managers of university libraries, resulting in an enhanced version.
Findings –After evaluation, the GC@BU framework showed to be easy to apply in the context for
which it was created (university libraries). It is noteworthy that in addition to the knowledge
management application, the GC@BU reinforces the importance of concerning for the quality and the
services, since it uses as a parameter the standards of the ACRL. In addition, the perspective used to
characterizing university libraries (as CASs) was well accepted by the tool evaluators.
Research limitations/implications –The proposed framework is focussed on university libraries,
but its use in other contexts should not be dismissed as long as the manager makes the necessary
adjustments for this purpose.
Practical implications –Since knowledge management is an intangible element, its application
and benefits are not easy to conceive. This tool provides the implementation of knowledge
management in university libraries, and knowledge is considered from different approaches (from the
user, the collaborator, the library collection). Besides, the tool is arranged so (in modules and
verification criteria) as to allow the manager to administer the library as a whole, from the point of view
of knowledge management.
Originality/value –This study is considered innovative and applicable on the global stage of
university libraries, because despite being evaluated by Brazilian managers it uses international
standards and has a strong ability to adapt to different contexts.
Keywords Knowledge management, Framework, University libraries, Librarian,
Complex adaptive systems, GC@BU
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Knowledge management in libraries can be characterized as a built-in activity, since
they have as a basic premise to store and share information. However, there are few
frameworks which have characteristics that allow the implementation of knowledge
management, as well as its theoretical understanding. Therefore, this paper, as the
result of a doctoral thesis and a partnership between the doctoral student and her
advisor professors, presents the GC@BU framework which aims to assist the
Library Management
Vol. 37 No. 4/5, 2016
pp. 221-236
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-01-2016-0005
Received 12 January 2016
Revised 8 April 2016
Accepted 12 April 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
221
Knowledge
management
framework
university libraries in the implementation of knowledge management for various
purposes (the user, collaborator, the library collection, etc.).
GC@BU stands for Gestão do Conhecimento na Biblioteca Universitária in
Portuguese, which translates as “Knowledge Management at the University Library.”
The GC@BU framework cons ists of three modules (kno wledge management
coordination, knowledge resources and learning commons[1] ) and three theoretical
assumptions, as shown below.
To confirm the potential applicability of the tool, it is worth mentioning that it is
currently being implemented within the Library Systems of the Federal University of
Santa Catarina, Brazil. In order to remain competitive and combined to the benefits that
the knowledge management can provide, the adoption of the framework brings the
necessary systematic for planning, development and evaluation of these initiatives
(Bem et al., 2016).
2. Theoretical assumptions of the GC@BU framework
In order to build a framework, it is necessary to have a solid theoretical foundation to
support it, especially if the intention is to define a conceptual field, as well as directions
to practical use. This way, we consider the university library as a comple x adaptive
system (CAS) (Section 3.1), regarded as a complex institution. The GC@BU framework
is also supported by specific standards for university libraries (Section 3.2). In this case
we relied on standards defined by the Association of College and Research
Libraries (ACRL), ACRL (2011), which also helped determine the verification criteria
for the elements of each framework module, while those modules were inspired
from the concept of university library (Section 3.3) developed for the context of the
GC@BU framework.
2.1 University libraries as CASs
When developing the framework, we considered that complexity must be fully taken
into account when deal ing with libraries and c onsequently with know ledge
management. It should be considered in the context of creation, processing, sharing,
dissemination and use of information and knowledge, i.e., in the knowledge
management as a whole, involving activities spread through the library.
Therefore, this framework presupposes understanding the university library from
the perspective of CASs. The focus of the adaptive systems is related to the approach
proposed by Axelrod and Cohen (1999) and its operating procedures (variation,
interaction and selection). The CASs approach was used to understand the know ledge
management given the need of a comprehensive approach to reach the university
library as a whole, involving all employees, resources, purpose, etc.
2.2 Standards from the ACRL
The proposal of GC@BU is to create opportunities for university libraries to achieve
knowledge management without forgetting the importance of the excellence of its
services, always aiming for user satisfaction and continuous improvement. For this
purpose, in addition to applying knowledge management in university libraries with
the approach of the CASs, the goal is to include quality standards in services for
university libraries. Therefore, we used the principles established by the Association of
College and Research Libraries (2011) with their respective indicators. The nine
principles (institutional effectiveness, professional values, educational role, discovery,
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