Knowledge management processes at St. Paul's University Library in Kenya

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) has become a vital process in all types of institutions in our society, institutions that also include academic libraries. Furthermore, academic libraries have become an integral part of the knowledge system. These institutions and academic libraries contribute to knowledge development in the current digital age. This study sought to investigate knowledge management processes at St Paul’s University library and to suggest ways by which these processes may be enhanced in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness in knowledge management. The study was based on knowledge management processes that include knowledge capture, knowledge acquisition, knowledge organisation, knowledge creation, knowledge retention and knowledge sharing as advanced in existing literature. The context of this study was St. Paul’s University Library, the academic library of St. Paul’s University. St. Paul’s University is an academic institution of higher learning based in Limuru Kenya. St. Paul’s University Library was found to be encountering challenges in the implementation and adoption of formal knowledge management processes such as knowledge creation, knowledge application, knowledge retention, knowledge acquisition, knowledge organisation and knowledge sharing. These challenges affect the library’s ability to manage and disseminate knowledge to its different stakeholders. This research thus set out to address these challenges. This was a case study of St. Paul’s University library which involved the collection of qualitative data from study participants through the use of interview guides. In the study, interviews were used to collect data from 10 library management committee members, 20 faculty staff and 20 library staff. These three groups of study participant were purposively selected as the target population for the study because they play a key role in knowledge management enhancement at St. Paul’s University library. Interviews were conducted for all categories of participants separately through face-to-face interview method based on their pre-determined availability. Out of 50 interviewees, only 32 were successfully interviewed. Qualitative data collected were analysed using content analysis. Findings of this study were then deduced from analysis done. From the study, it emerged that all the knowledge management processes under study were utilised albeit to varied degrees. From the study, varied gaps were noted on the various knowledge management processes and the use of ICT in knowledge management. The study recommends that St. Paul’s University Library should fully incorporate all the knowledge management processes and ensure appropriate policies be in place to support knowledge management and also increase effectiveness and efficiency in the library. The study further recommends a survey study on academic libraries to be undertaken on knowledge management processes in Kenya.