Knowledge management implementation in a library: Mapping tools and technologies to phases of the KM cycle
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to investigate the tools/technologies that would be of value to libraries as they implement knowledge management (KM) and to map these to different phases of the KM cycle.
Design/methodology/approach
Models of the KM cycle and theories related to information technology (IT) adoption were reviewed, along with tools/technologies for collaboration and KM. A theoretical “model for KM tools and their adoption in libraries” was arrived at.
Findings
It was found that there is no single set of tools that would be applicable to everyone or across libraries. In addition, technology is just an enabler for KM. Therefore, a comprehensive set of tools, both physical and technological, is presented.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides a practical, one-stop place for librarians to decide on KM methods and tools based on their unique environments. The proposed model for KM tools should guide further research.
Originality/value
Most studies on KM have been outside libraries. Of all KM tool studies, there is a lack of a single paper that puts together the majority of tools/technologies (whether IT or non-IT-based) that would help library staff make informed decisions. The primary research contribution is a model for KM tools and their adoption in libraries.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
When teaching KM in Fall 2012, the first author provided a long list of tools and created an assignment whereby LIS students had to pick any one tool, learn the tool over a few weeks, create a tutorial based on it and identify its relationship with the KM cycle. In another course, LIS 488 Technology for Information Professionals (across a few semesters), students had to learn technology tools and create tutorials as well. Some of the student-created technology tutorials can be seen at: http://mytechtutorials.wordpress.com/. The authors are grateful to these students from Simmons College who indirectly provided an impetus for this article.
Citation
Kumar Agarwal, N. and Anwarul Islam, M. (2014), "Knowledge management implementation in a library: Mapping tools and technologies to phases of the KM cycle", VINE, Vol. 44 No. 3, pp. 322-344. https://doi.org/10.1108/VINE-01-2014-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited