The role of knowledge management in providing innovative services in university libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose Previous studies have shown that knowledge management (KM) plays a role in service innovation or that there is a positive relationship between them. However, this role or relationship is yet to be established quantitatively through empirical evidence within the context of university libraries in Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to determine how knowledge management affects innovative services in university libraries in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative approach and used questionnaire to collect data from 250 librarians who participated in the study. A structural equation modeling approach was used to validate the research model. Findings It was found that KM affected service innovation positively. The three measures of KM cycle, namely, knowledge capture/creation, knowledge sharing/transfer and knowledge application/use were found to have positive and significant effect on service innovation in university libraries in Nigeria. In conclusion, university libraries in Nigeria with high activities in knowledge capture, knowledge sharing and knowledge use are more likely to provide innovative services to their users. Practical implications The study suggests that libraries with high level of activities in knowledge capturing, sharing and application are more likely to engage in innovative services. The study is also capable of encouraging students to take courses on KM and library and information science educators to place more emphasis on KM in their curricular. Originality/value The paper offers a unique empirical direction for service innovation in university libraries in Nigeria. As there is a dearth of quantitative empirical evidence in the area of service innovation in libraries, the empirical evidence obtained in this paper will not only contribute to the body of knowledge in this area but also be used to create an environment for innovative library services.

Effects of knowledge management practices on innovation in SMEs

“…The study found that the knowledge management activities have significant influence on innovation practices. This finding supports the declaration by Rahman et al (2009a); Andreeva and Kianto (2011); Gloet and Terziovski (2004); Huang and Li (2009) and Ugwu and Ekere (2018) that firms with high level of actions in knowledge management practices are more likely to offer innovative products and services to their customers. This is explained by the fact that acquiring or creating knowledge from different sources is an important aspect of innovation in the firms.…”

What is the impact of library and information science on knowledge management research?

“…the implications of KM for LIS professions (Sarrafzadeh, 2008); when existing and emerging disciplines meet: LIS versus KM (Roknuzzaman, 2009); a case study of LIS schools using KM (Islam, 2012) and KM for innovation in library services (Islam, 2016). Researchers have carried our empirical studies advocating adopting KM in libraries: KM practices in European university libraries (Balagué et al , 2016); effect of KM and service innovation in academic libraries (Islam et al , 2017); KM readiness of academic libraries (Marouf, 2017); KM for innovative services in university libraries (Ugwu and Ekere, 2018); expected librarian KM roles (AbuKhader, 2018) and innovation in academic libraries through knowledge creation (Koloniaria et al , 2018).…”

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Innovation in Academic Libraries

“…All three of those phases within the KM cycle have an impact on the level of innovation in the services provided within academic libraries (Islam et al (2017). There is some discussion as to whether knowledge sharing had a noticeable impact on innovation (Islam et al, 2017), but more localised studies have found that all three phases of the KM cycle do contribute to innovation, albeit on a lower scale than phase one and three of the KM cycle (Ugwu & Ekere, 2017).…”

“…In the second stage of the KM cycle, ICTs "facilitate the rapid collection, storage, and use of explicit knowledge [...] and enhances knowledge sharing and creation" (Koloniari et al, 2018, p.794). Ugwu & Ekere (2017) also emphasized the importance of understanding the tools available to the staff that can increase innovation and service quality. In their study, focusing on university libraries in Nigeria, they found that the main activities that supported innovation included learning about new practices, user interfaces, and the application of new technology to meet the needs of the students and staff.…”