Knowledge Management Issues in Academic Libraries in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explored the Knowledge Management (KM) issues in academic libraries. It discussed these issues - types of knowledge and knowledge management practices; the technologies and mechanisms of acquiring; creating; sharing, transferring etc knowledge in the present day knowledge era. It highlighted the subsequent challenges of KM which the libraries will face. The paper adopted the descriptive survey design. Questionnaire and oral interview are the instruments used to collect data. Fifty-two questionnaires were distributed according to the number of library practitioners in the academic libraries studied. 64% response rates were recorded. These data were analysed using frequency and simple percentages. It concludes by advising the academic libraries not to toil with knowledge of their resources especially the tacit knowledge of their staff if they intend to join the trend in knowledge management issues as well as meeting the goals of their organization. The finding shows that most of the knowledge management issues were not only new but also brought about challenges in some academic libraries. Based on this, possible recommendations were proffered to tackle these constraints.