Priti Jain

An empirical study of knowledge management in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small‐scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward.Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM.Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers.Research limitations/implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future r...

Empowering Africa's development using ICT in a knowledge management approach

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review.Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africas development.Research limitations/implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in‐depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country.Practical...

On‐the‐job training: a key to human resource development

Presents the main findings of the study recently conducted by the author: “On‐the‐job training: a tool for professionalism and productivity” (a case study of Botswana National Library Service), which was carried out in order to explore and identify on‐the‐job training (OJT) needs for library staff. The instrument used was an open‐ended questionnaire followed by interviews to eliminate ambiguities. Questionnaires were coded after data collection. This procedure was found to be more appropriate as participants were free to express opinions without being influenced by available choices. Data were analysed by using the MINI TAB computer program. A total of 64 library users and 64 library staff (31 professionals and 33 diploma holders) were surveyed. The main OJT training needs were identified as: information technology, job orientation, customer service/public relations, marketing/publicity, refresher courses and managerial skills.

Libraries as learning organisations: implications for knowledge management

Purpose – The purpose of thi s paper is to describe how libraries are under increasing pressure to become learning organisations for better knowledge management and to cultivate a culture of continuing learning to cope with both current and future changes in the organisations in which they exist.Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and authors” experiences in academic libraries in east and southern Africa.Findings – Learning organisations” role includes knowledge creation, sharing and dissemination and the ability to effectively operate in an increasingly digital environment.Practical implications – Academic libraries are undergoing tremendous transformations due in part to new technologies, customer expectations, competitive pressures, evolving knowledge‐intensive organisations, and the changing roles of librarians. Academic libraries can be considered as learning organisations involved in intensive generation of knowledge and must operate competitively in order to satisfy customer needs and b...

Strategic human resource development in public libraries in Botswana

Purpose – The broad objective of this study was to present a model for strategic human resource management through an effective staff performance appraisal system in Botswana Public Libraries in order to enhance the provision of delivery of information services.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents and discusses the partial findings of the study, which were revealed in an attempt to provide a strategic human resource management model for public libraries in Botswana. Public libraries aid the public as a whole, and they often lack funds and human resources. It is because of these constraints that the study was embarked on by the author.Findings – From an empirical investigation the main critical qualities required to provide efficient public library services were revealed as: enthusiasm, positive attitude, innovative thinking, commitment. The other staff related and motivational issues were identified as: a sense of achievement, a feeling of self‐worth, job‐security, staff recognition, status, ...

A comparative study of perceived work related stress among library staff in two academic libraries in Southern Africa

Purpose – The study sought to explore and compare the current levels of job stress among academic library staff at the University of Botswana (UB) and the University of Zambia (UNZA). The accessible populations consisted of library staff (n=19) at the University of Botswana and (n=25) at the University of Zambia.The purpose of this paper is present the identified perceived sources of and levels of job stress among the librarians at two universities. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a survey method with the questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. Two groups randomly constituted from both universities in the main campuses were purposively selected using non-probability sampling. Gender and status of the sample selected were also carefully considered in the choice of the sample so as to have the perceptions from every gender and category of staff. The main hypothesis of this study is that there is no significant difference in job stress experienced by library staff in the two Afric...

Personal knowledge management: the foundation of organisational knowledge management

The purpose of this small-scale study was to explore how people perceived Personal Knowledge Management (PKM), whether people were aware of the PKM concept, and how PKM can have an impact on organisational knowledge management and productivity. A questionnaire survey with quantitative and qualitative questions was used. The study revealed that a majority (63%) of respondents were not aware of the PKM concept; 33% were aware, while 2% had a vague idea about it. Eighty three (83%) felt that it was important to manage personal knowledge and that PKM could increase individual productivity and organisational performance. The major recommendations included creating awareness about PKM. It should be at the heart of each employee-development programme, alignment of personal and organisational goals and adequate facilities and training in PKM.

Perceptions on empowerment and productivity in academic and public libraries in Botswana

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study which was carried out in order to explore and identify perceived barriers to productivity in six academic and six public libraries in Botswana, through an examination of the perceptions of library personnel. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire used a 5‐point Likert scale to collect data on the measures of higher and lower productivity. The questionnaires were personally distributed to 111 respondents (63.7 per cent) out of a population of 174. The most pressing barriers to productivity were identified as: job dissatisfaction, a lack of facilities, a lack of training, poor management, a lack of commitment, poor relationships among staff and a lack of WITs/work teams. In spite of the lack of basic facilities and training, librarians could still improve their performance and maximise their output with the resources available. A change in their work attitudes and commitment to work could also make a great difference. The study recommends a three‐way communication process, work teams, active participation of librarians in the productivity movement, regular training in information technology and good work ethics, all of which should help improve productivity in both academic and public libraries in Botswana.

Delivery of library and information science curriculum: A joint endeavour among LIS educators and library practitioners at the University of Botswana

Purpose Advancement in Information and communication technologies (ICTs) has revolutionised Library and Information Science (LIS) education and libraries. Both theory and practice have been transformed completely. LIS education programmes have become highly competitive and must be market-driven and technology-oriented. At the same time, academic libraries have been transformed and have become dynamic. Fostering a close collaboration between LIS educators and practitioners can multiply their strength and abilities by sharing educational resources and theoretical and practical knowledge. This paper aims to present the findings of a study carried out to investigate the current status of collaboration among LIS educators and library practitioners at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires from both LIS educators at the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) and practicing librarians working at the University of Botswana Library (UBL). To follow-up some of the issues, an interview was carried out with a subject librarian and a focus group discussion method was used to discuss some of the challenges from the findings. Findings The major collaborative activities from the DLIS staff were identified as the following: creating awareness of library resources and promoting library usage among students, facilitating library material selection and inviting librarians as guest lecturers to teach in the classroom. The main collaborative activities from practicing librarians were found to be the following: delivering information literacy instruction, providing professional/practical experience to students and information sharing with the DLIS teaching staff. The major challenges were identified as the following: different cultures of educators and librarians, lack of need to collaborate and lack of formal policy at the department and the university level. Research limitations/implications The UBL has 51 library staff members. All the librarians were not included in this research study, only senior librarians and library management were involved in the study. No theoretical framework was used to carry out the study. The questionnaire was designed based on the general literature in the field of professional collaboration among faculty and educators in the information profession. The follow-up interview and focus group discussion were conducted to address the collaborative activities and challenges that were acknowledged by at least 50 per cent of the participants. Issues with less than 50 per cent responses were considered insignificant to follow-up. Follow-up interview was conducted only with one subject librarian. As all subject librarians have the same job profile and undertake the similar activities, it was assumed that one subject librarian can represent others. Originality/value This research paper contributes to the body of literature. It may be useful for other LIS schools and libraries that work in similar environments, and it also opens up avenues for further research on this topical issue.

Developing strategic partnerships for national development: a case of Botswana

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with government and other stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on literature review and practical examples.Findings – The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African comprehensive HIV/AIDS partnerships through the Sesigo project. Another partnership has been between parastatal organisations such as Botswana Technology Centre and Botswana National Library Services.Originality/value – The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge.