Abstract:
The conventional function of academic libraries is to collect, process, and store, disseminate and
utilize information to provide library service to the University community. This research focuses
on university academic libraries and presents the findings of a study carried out to investigate
and compare the Current KM practices in Jimma and Mekelle university libraries. Academic
libraries emphasize on the knowledge gaps found, namely as an ineffective knowledge retention
process resulting in the loss of knowledge and experience of skilled and valued employees,
technology usage problems for the knowledge management practices, Lack of motivation, Lack
of standardized processes that define each and every KM activity .The reason is that those
making it important to find out how it applies to a KM oriented organization and enhance
knowledge preservation. The study adopt the descriptive research design method using a survey
approach as the study is to help establish an accurate profile of the determinants KM practices
in university libraries and the study location are Jimma and Mekelle universities. The study
target population is 240 library staff is used that formed the target population. The researcher
used Quantitative and qualitative methods to collect the data from respectively libraries. A total
of 223 staff returned their questionnaires constituting 92.9% response rate. The results of the
study revealed that in both libraries knowledge management is still in its infancy as they did not
have clearly established strategies and policies to make use of knowledge. However, KMPs is not
a function of the library. So, the researcher concluded that KM Practices in both university
libraries are weak as it has not well understood KM. Furthermore, there are no significant
differences between the two libraries in the various aspects of KM investigated. The study
therefore recommended a road map for implementing knowledge management in the libraries
this requires academic librarians to reassess their functions, expand their roles and
responsibilities to effectively contribute and meet the needs of varied university community.
KMPs is a viable means in which academic libraries could improve their services in the present
knowledge era base technology. The study findings established that Current KM practices in
university Jimma and Mekelle the understanding of KM as a term is from literacy sources that
include library meetings, reading in books and communications with peers. The investigation
results of the study conducted to establish the ways in which the University academic librarians
of Jimma and Mekelle could add value to their services by engaging in KM practice.
