Designing A Framework For Knowledge Management Practices In Academic Libraries A Comparative Study In Jimma And Mekelle Universities

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.