Knowledge Management Methodology between its Role and Application Strategies in Academic Libraries

Abstract

This study introduce the methodology of knowledge management, its role in academic libraries, and strategies for its application. Knowledge and knowledge management are considered crucial in academic libraries, and knowledge management is an effective tool for fostering innovation. Its practices are a set of methodologies and tools for systematically generating ideas, insights, and experiences for managing library operations. The application of knowledge management systems in academic libraries aims to maximize the utilization and retrieval of available knowledge. Consequently, knowledge management requires more effective methods for processing and rapidly transferring information. Therefore, the study methodology is divided into two parts: The first part is the theoretical framework, which presents the various concepts of knowledge management, the reasons for its necessity and importance, the general principles for implementing its processes, its types, components, performance, and role, the most important modern trends in applying knowledge management in academic libraries, the knowledge management competencies required of library and information specialists, and their role in knowledge management. It also presents the most significant challenges that hinder the effective implementation of knowledge management practices. The second part of the study focused on the practical framework of the sample, which included staff from several academic libraries at Omar Al-Mukhtar University in Libya. These libraries comprised employees from the following departments: the Library and Publications Department, the Central Library, the Office of Authorship and Translation, the Martyrs of the Mountain Library, the Electronic Library, the Faculty of Medicine, the Pharmacy, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Languages, the Faculty of Education, and the Faculty of Agriculture. Using a field survey methodology and employing a questionnaire as the data collection tool, the data was collected from a sample of 86 specialists out of a total of 107. The study proved that improving library services is the most important reason for application knowledge management strategies. The study recommended developing strategies to retrain library and information specialists, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and experience to achieve optimal library practices. A significant lack of knowledge utilization negatively impacts workflow; therefore, the focus should be on improving technological infrastructure and excelling in knowledge management processes. Library and information specialists need to prioritize knowledge management more seriously to increase their efficiency and, consequently, fulfill the mission of their parent institution.