Evaluation of University-Library Knowledge Management Practice: Comparative Case Studies from Developing and Developed Countries

Abstract: Knowledge management (KM) has become a vital part of the successful development of private and governmental organizations. KM is processed tools and behaviors that participate in the formulation and performance of the beneficiaries of the organization, acquisition, storage and distribution of knowledge. This is to reflect on the business processes and to gain access to best practices with a view to long-term competition and adaptation. In this context, the personal understanding of KM is a key factor in successful employments of KM activities. In this thesis, the level of understanding of knowledge management and the extent of its usage in the university library by librarians was investigated. A comparison study was established between libraries in developed and developing countries. Interviews and observations were performed and the results were analyzed. The results indicate the concept of KM is hardly known, however it is employed to different extent between these counties, the developed countries were by far more successful in utilizing current technology to advance their service and personal expertise with few challenges. Lack of communication, knowledge sharing, and the shortage in the budget was essential in limiting the usage of KM in developing counties. The knowledge derived from this thesis advances an understanding of the importance of KM in library performance, thus presenting the basis for improving libraries in developing countries and advancing libraries in developed countries.