Developing a framework for the management of indigenous knowledge systems in public university libraries in Ghana

Abstract

The management of indigenous knowledge (IK) has not been part of the focus of academic libraries collections in Ghana. The need to manage such knowledge base of society has become vital in the era of information society where IK is deemed an intellectual strategic asset of society and an important element for sustainable development. The lack of representation of IK is partly blamed on its exclusion from academia. It behooves on information professionals to be at the forefront in the agenda to manage indigenous knowledge in collaboration with stakeholders. The study sought to develop a framework for the management of indigenous knowledge in public university libraries in Ghana. The pragmatic paradigm using mixed method approach was adopted for the purpose of the study. The population for the study consisted of University Librarians, Senior members, and staff. Using interviews, questionnaires and observations, the researcher also reviewed documents on policies, reports, and procedural manuals which was relevant to the focus of the study. The findings revealed that the mission of the universities had no implications on the management of IK. It was evident that in providing information resources as a mandate of the libraries, none of it focused on the management of IK because there were no targeted resources for its management and preservation. Furthermore, no part of the library’s collection development policies spelt out the collection and management of IK because it was not integrated into the university’s curriculum. It was also established that because the teaching delivery methods and curriculum did not support the use of IK, it made it difficult to pursue this agenda. Recommendations included the establishment of centres of indigenous knowledge research at the universities as a starting point for the collection and documentation of indigenous knowledge. Information Professionals should come together to develop policies, standards on how to collect, organise, store and disseminate IK. The need for stakeholder’s partnership, policy guidelines and integration of IK into the library’s collection with the aim of achieving transformation of knowledge systems, social inclusion of marginalised knowledge, equality, and sustainable development for an integrated IK management system was proposed.