Original Research

Strategies and tools for knowledge management practices in selected academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa

Rexwhite T. Enakrire, Omwoyo B. Onyancha
South African Journal of Information Management | Vol 22, No 1 | a1159 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v22i1.1159 | © 2020 Rexwhite T. Enakrire, Omwoyo B. Onyancha | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 October 2019 | Published: 18 November 2020

About the author(s)

Rexwhite T. Enakrire, Department of Information Science, Faculty of Arts, School of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Omwoyo B. Onyancha, Department of Information Science, Faculty of Arts, School of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: This study investigate strategies and tools for knowledge management practices (KMPs), in selected academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa. The rationale were due to divergent library routines, increasingly users’, influx of information resources in university library repository and Internet, among other factors. KMPs are touted key ingredients for library practices.

Objectives: Based on the aforementioned statement, the study investigate strategies and tools for KMPs in selected academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa.

Methods: The quantitative research approach was based on survey, made use of questionnaire to collect data from respondents in the selected academic libraries in South Africa and Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools.

Results: Findings indicate that, knowledge management is practiced in diverse ways to include group discussions/meetings, apprenticeships, socialisation and communities of practice, seminars, conferences and workshops. KM tools of decision support systems, database management systems, web portals, electronic document management systems (EDMS), management information systems, were used for generic and specific work operations in the library. Codification strategy serves to deepen how new knowledge promoted KM practices in academic libraries.

Conclusion: Universally KMPs is not new, though still at its infancy in some academic institutions in Africa. The need to continually share knowledge to advance quality service delivery in meeting users’ information needs becomes essential. The study recommends insightful methods of coding information and knowledge as a way to re-organise and disseminate local collections, while librarians apply various KM platforms to regulate planning KM activities in academic libraries.


Keywords

academic libraries; knowledge management practices; knowledge management tools; Nigeria; South Africa; strategies.

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Crossref Citations

1. Knowledge sharing strategies for improved service provision in the academic library at Delta State University Abraka Nigeria
Lydia Osarugue Izu, Madeleine C. Fombad
New Review of Academic Librarianship  first page: 1  year: 2024  
doi: 10.1080/13614533.2024.2333536