The use of technology-based mechanisms and knowledge management techniques in Library practises in an academic environment: A case study

Abstract

In response to the knowledge-driven economy, many academic libraries have adopted knowledge management (KM) techniques in the provision of services. KM techniques have been implemented in commercial and business environments towards operational advantages and f nancial gains. However, there is uncertainty about whether the use of KM principles and technology-based mechanisms could partly solve the academic library’s approach to improving its quality of service and fulf l its mandate to its community in the modern information environment. Using a case study approach, this study considered the use of technology-based mechanisms and KM techniques in library practices in order to enhance performance and improve the quality of service in the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) library. Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire, interviews, observation and institutional documents. The f ndings of this study indicate that KM concepts were not universally understood at MCNY, and that library practices were not based on KM, but that they were adopting such KM practices as using social networking media for the purpose of collaboration and sharing knowledge.