The Application of Knowledge Management Strategy to University Libraries An Applied Study of Libraries of Fayoum and Beni Suef Universities

Abstract

This study aims to identify the nature and properties of knowledge management, and to study and analyze the current reality of knowledge management in the libraries of Fayoum University and Beni Suef in comparison with the library of the American University, while trying to uncover the strategic vision of the libraries of universities of Fayoum and Beni Suef to support the application of knowledge management in them. The study adopts the descriptive and analytical approach, and it relied on data collection on the questionnaire, and the SWOT method was used to try to reach a strategic vision for the universities of Fayoum and Beni Suef to support the application of knowledge management in them. Among the most important findings of the study: the availability of the necessary infrastructure in information and communication technologies for a good adoption of knowledge management in the libraries of the universities of Fayoum and Beni Suef, and knowledge management processes in these libraries were used to varying degrees, and there are different gaps regarding the various processes of knowledge management, and the study revealed that there are obstacles faced by libraries to implement knowledge management significantly in Beni Suef University libraries and relatively less frequently in Fayoum University libraries, such as: Librarians ’insufficient familiarity with the concept and role of knowledge management, with the absence of a clear strategy that supports and stimulates the adoption of the concept of knowledge management, and the lack of sufficient budget support for management Knowledge. In addition, a number of results were reached based on the SWOT analysis, within the framework of developing an appropriate strategy for implementing knowledge management in the libraries of the universities of Fayoum and Beni Suef; the elements of this strategy are: the large number of library specialists, especially those with a library and information specialization, to meet the needs of libraries, and the necessity of holding training courses, seminars, and workshops to familiarize library specialists with knowledge management in detail and how to apply it and benefit from its operations within the library, with the development of an organizational structure that supports knowledge management within libraries, and to ensure the continuity of the internet connection, with the need for adequate budget to support knowledge management processes.