Comparing the knowledge management practices in selected European higher education libraries

Abstract

Purpose – Knowledge Management (KM) in libraries refers to the systematic management and control of knowledge as an important resource when producing high-quality library and information services. If one wishes to make the optimal use and dissemination of organizational and other work life related knowledge, then one needs to acquire appropriate KM tools and to adopt a systematic procedure for KM throughout the organization. This can exert an energizing effect on the lifelong learning of the libraries’ staff which is essential in today’s rapidly changing scientific information environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyze KM practices is selected higher education libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research conducted in three academic libraries – IZUS/Universitätsbibliothek Stuttgart, Germany; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Library Barcelona, Spain; and University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Library, Finland – makes a comparison of the KM processes being implemented in each of the institutions to ensure the continuous learning of the libraries’ staff. Findings – This comparative study revealed several key reasons and best practices for implementing KM procedures in the selected university libraries. They are collected under three main issues: KM advantages; KM technological opportunities; and KM organizational culture. Research limitations/implications – Based on three cases and thus are mainly examples of the KM implementation. Practical implications – Paper gives tools for libraries and their management on the KM system implementation. Social implications – Based on the paper’s findings the KM implementation in all the selected libraries led to better management and better staff inclusion into the library service development. Originality/value – KM implementation studies are still rare among the libraries.

Organizational Factors as Predictors of Knowledge Management Practices in Federal University Libraries in Nigeria

“…Four categories of knowledge management process were adapted from this study, namely knowledge identification, knowledge acquisition, knowledge creation, and knowledge dissemination. Further, item measures for each of the categories of knowledge management process were developed from previous research literature (Balague et al, 2015;Maponya, 2004).…”

“…Knowledge dissemination This refers to activities aimed at making knowledge resources and services accessible to users. This can be achieved by using library alert systems, library mailing lists, new technologies, groupware, internet, library presentations, virtual tours of the library, intranet, and library guides (Balague et al, 2015;ILO, 2004;Maponya, 2004). …”

“…Knowledge acquisition This refers to activities directed at seeking and obtaining knowledge from external sources and also from the internal environment. These activities include networking with other libraries; attending training programmes, conferences, seminars and workshops; using library collections; and collating internal profile of staff (Balague et al, 2015;ILO, 2004;Maponya, 2004).…”

“…This analysis takes the form of cataloguing of online information resources, creation of databases of experts, indexing of knowledge generated in the university, and building knowledge repositories (Balague et al, 2015;ILO, 2004;Maponya, 2004). Knowledge dissemination This refers to activities aimed at making knowledge resources and services accessible to users.…”

“…This refers to the knowledge activities aimed at identifying users' needs and requirements for the purpose of providing them with a variety of quality services. Activities underlying knowledge identification include establishing contacts with users, studying the university curricula, participating in teaching and research in the university, and conducting user surveys (Balague, Duren, & Saarti, 2015;ILO, 2004;Maponya, 2004). Knowledge acquisition This refers to activities directed at seeking and obtaining knowledge from external sources and also from the internal environment.…”