Knowledge management practices in academic libraries : the case of Victoria University of Wellington Library

Abstract

Knowledge is a key organization asset. When managed well it gives an organization a competitive advantage to enhance the efficiency of its performance. Academic libraries have a key role to play in managing the knowledge of their organization. This study has utilized case study approach to explore the Knowledge Management (KM) practices in VUW Library. The ways in which staff of the VUW Library can improve their services by engaging with KM has been examined. All library staff as identified from VUW library website are 163. Questionnaires were distributed to 117 and eighteen returned. A low response was associated to the fact that many staff took summer leave and others were working part time and difficult to access. Five participants were interviewed. Given the small number of participants, this survey is not meant to be a representative of VUW Library as a whole but instead as indicative of perceptions, interests and activities of those who responded. Two documents were analysed. The findings show that there are no formal initiatives primarily about KM in this library. However it has been discovered that there is a potential readiness for library staff to embrace KM at VUW Library. The existence of KM practices has been demonstrated by the respondents. The KM tools exist. It is suggested that VUW Library should consider implementing KM.