A knowledge management model for creating service-based value for public university libraries in Bangladesh

Abstract

The research aimed to propose a Knowledge Management (KM) model for creating service-based value for public university libraries in Bangladesh. The other Research Objectives (ROs) were to explore the current models of KM implemented by the university libraries, examine the current KM practices in public university libraries in Bangladesh, examine the critical success factors, and identify the challenges related to KM prac¬tice. The present research used both quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixed method). A pilot study was conducted to establish reliability and to validate the questionnaire. For the final survey, 1,060 questionnaires were distributed among the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students of five public university libraries in Bangladesh using a simple random sampling technique. Out of 1,060 distributed questionnaires, 811 usable questionnaires were returned, giving a response of 76.5%. This research also interviewed 11 Librarians/Deputy librarians/Assistant librarians of the selected public university libraries who hold the highest position at their university libraries. A purposive sampling method was used to determine the interviewees for the qualitative approach. Out of 13, Librarians/Deputy Librarians/Assistant librarians, 11 were interviewed, giving a response rate of 84.6%. The quantitative analysis found that users' familiarity with KM is moderately low. They learn about KM through courses provided by their respective departments and independent study through research literature. Users also agreed that KM is an alternate name for information management, and it is a modern librarianship discipline. It was found that establishing a solid infrastructure for future development, continuous training programs, utilizing technology accurately, and organizational Information and Communication Technology (ICT) structure are the critical success factors for designing and implementing a KM in public university libraries. At the same time, lack of awareness, problems with organizational culture, improper technology deployment, and inadequate support from management are the challenges related to KM prac¬tice in public university libraries in Bangladesh. The qualitative findings found that no formal KM programs are in place in any of these selected universities. The research also established that libraries are doing some resemblance of KM practices in their everyday work. The research found that tactful strategy for KM implementation, recruiting skilled manpower, a training program for staff and users, ICT infrastructure, and skilled manpower are the critical success factors of KM implementation in the public university libraries in Bangladesh. According to the findings, lack of budget, lack of user awareness, lack of trained staff, and obsolete technologies are the challenges for KM implementation in the library. Finally, the research proposed a model for public university libraries in Bangladesh. The model showed that the successful implementation of KM can bring benefits to libraries depending on the quality of the library services, critical success factors, users’ familiarity with KM, KM relevance to librarianship, and the potential contribution of various departments. Based on the findings of this research, the recommendations are given to the librarians and the higher authority of the university. The research was limited to only five public university libraries in Bangladesh. Finally, the research presented managerial and practical implications with further research directions. This research would be an excellent addition to the application of KM in the library of Bangladesh.