Knowledge management in libraries and information centers: theory and practice

Abstract

Library and information professionals face the challenge of improving and expanding networks for sharing knowledge and expertise gained over many years of experience and collection. While electronic technology helps improve the ability to exchange information, in reality most of us are exposed to a wealth of information without having the ability to sift through this information in terms of its quality and originality. In addition, despite the increase in the amount of information we obtain in digital form, at the same time we are losing the implicit knowledge that gives concepts, deep insights, and meanings to that huge amount of data and information. This comes - in part - as a result of the lack of systematic recording of individual experiences, including the vast knowledge closely related to the field of libraries and information (1).

We can notice this growing interest in knowledge management in many fields and specializations, in the for-profit and non-profit sectors, and at all levels. Indeed, there are many trends in the use of knowledge management at national governmental levels and sustainable development plans. In the field of libraries and information, and as a reflection of these developments around us, the International Federation of Library Associations established a special section called the “Knowledge Management Section” concerned with raising the awareness of specialists and professionals towards knowledge management and introducing its applications and practices through holding conferences and issuing publications in this regard.

The real goal of knowledge management is to achieve effectiveness and continuity for organizations. Although the origin of knowledge management was found in the business field, its practices have spread in non-profit fields as well. Many advantages have been noted that knowledge management applications provide to institutions and non-profit organizations, such as improving communication. Among employees, their communication with senior management and encouraging a culture of participation. The necessity of the survival and steadfastness of libraries and information centers in the face of the lack of financial resources and the aspirations and needs of beneficiaries strongly pushes the need to adopt the application of knowledge management (2).

This study deals with the topic of knowledge management in libraries and information centers. The study consists of two parts. The first is concerned with presenting a general picture of the concept and importance of knowledge management and its operations. In the other part, the study attempts to provide an initial vision about the possibility of applying knowledge management in the environment of libraries and information centers.