Perception of Knowledge Management Practices among Academic Librarians in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main focus of this study was to examine the role of academic libraries as regards to knowledge management practices and librarian’s perception. The study was limited to two academic libraries in Edo State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of 127academic librarians in the selected libraries. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for the study due to the small sample size of the population. Questionnaire was used for as instrument for data collection. Out of the one hundred and twenty-seven (127) questionnaires administered, eighty-five (85) were duly completed, returned and used for the study, representing 70% response rate. The findings revealed that the perception of librarians on knowledge management practices in Edo State was Knowledge values are explicitly stated and promulgated. This means that the librarians have good perception about knowledge management practices and also agreed that it is a key function of the library; inadequate information technology infrastructure, absence of facilities for knowledge management practices in the library are the major challenges faced by the academic librarian in Edo State in effective knowledge management. The study recommends that: Library managers (University Librarians) should seek for clear understanding of Knowledge Management Practices and creates Knowledge Management De partment/Centre in the library through the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre provided by Nigerian Communication Commission through Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in order to take full responsibility as knowledge management practices is found to be the function of academic libraries; University Librarians should persuade the university managements with the requisite framework on the needs for the establishment of Knowledge Management practices with the provision of adequate information technological infrastructure, and availability of the required facilities for effective KM practices.