"Library and information professsionals" participation in knowledge management initiatives in New Zealand : an exploratory study

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to explore the participation of New Zealand library and information professionals in knowledge management initiatives in New Zealand organisations. To achieve this aim, a number of library and information professionals working in private and public sector organisations were approached and ten agreed to participate in this study Using open ended questions interviews were conducted with participants at their work places where possible. Information was collected about their understandings of knowledge management theory and practice, their professional education and professional development in knowledge management, the relationship of library and information management values to knowledge management, their roles in knowledge management and the skills and competencies they applied in their roles. The results of these interviews were analysed using theory and research from not only the library and information profession but from academics and consultants working in knowledge management. This study found library and information professionals working in knowledge management roles in New Zealand demonstrate a good understand of current theory and practice of knowledge management. While there are good opportunities for library and information professionals in both senior roles and implementation teams in knowledge management initiatives, this study shows that there is a lack of formal qualifications in knowledge management amongst library and information professionals. Good opportunities exist for professional development in knowledge management in the Wellington region. However, library and information professionals who wish to pursue knowledge management as a career opportunity outside of Wellington are reliant on self-study and informal networking to extend their knowledge of this discipline