Knowledge management within library teams : to what extent is this practiced in Crown research institutes

Abstract

This research project addresses the lack of information about knowledge management (KM) within special library teams in library literature. While there are numerous papers on libraries helping their wider organisation manage knowledge, little is to be found on the application of that same practice to the library team itself. Its purpose therefore, was to investigate the extent of KM practice in special library teams at Crown Research Institutes. An integrative literature review was carried out to obtain a list of favourable characteristics towards successful knowledge management in teams, examples of KM practice in libraries, and models to consider in best practice framework. A collective case study of CRI libraries ensued with exploratory email questionnaires to key contacts, followed by a descriptive online survey of all CRI library staff. The latter used a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, employing Likert scales for empirical data collection. Empirical evidence shows that while CRI library teams strongly display the necessary characteristics for successful KM, not all CRI library teams consistently practice KM to a high extent at present. A best practice document for CRI library teams was compiled as a research outcome.