KNOWLEDGE SHARING METHODS AMONG LIBRARY INFORMATION SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS IN IMPROVING SERVICE DELIVERY IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES LIBRARIES IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: Increased organizational information and change have created a great need to manage knowledge to ensure effectiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of knowledge sharing practices among library information science professionals in improving service delivery in Public University libraries in Kiambu County, Kenya.
Problem statement: Information has been repackaged in a variety of ways, and new demands calls for re-engineering service delivery to meet changing user needs. This pattern requires that library information science professionals to be able to share knowledge in order to keep abreast with a changing information management terrain. Library information science professionals are struggling in integrating knowledge management methods in their work processes due to lack of a sharing culture, collaboration and limited skills for knowledge sharing leading to largely inaccessible knowledge due to limited knowledge sharing avenues.
Methodology: Cross-sectional survey research design was used to carry out research. With a population of 165 members of staff. This design is used in an attempt to collect data from members of a population in order to investigate knowledge sharing between the two public Universities. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview.
Results of the study: The knowledge sharing strategies factors that had a statistically significant influence on library knowledge sharing at 95% confidence interval were; library knowledge sharing among working groups, library knowledge sharing among project teams, library knowledge sharing among learning community, library knowledge sharing among informal network and library knowledge sharing among community of practice that have P-value less 0.05. Work groups, project teams, learning community, informal network and community of practice (CoPs) were strategies available influencing the knowledge-sharing model.
Conclusion and policy recommendation: The 21st Century economy recognizes knowledge as the primary resource for wealth generation for competitive advantage, survival of the economy depends on knowledge creation, transfer and its maximum exploitation. Knowledge remains the greatest asset owned by LISP in universities, most universities have not recognized that knowledge sharing enhances institutional performance. The study therefore creates an environment where knowledge is shared to enhance performance and growth in public universities libraries. It is recommended that university libraries should consider putting in place knowledge management policies that encourage knowledge sharing. The absence of KM policies encourages knowledge loss, especially of retiring staff or those departing for other reasons. Policies aimed at preserving organisational intellectual assets are widely considered to enhance knowledge sharing in university libraries.
Keywords: Knowledge management, knowledge sharing, service delivery, Public universities.
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