Knowledge management competencies required among library and information science professionals

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and validate the competencies perceived to be essential for library and information science (LIS) professionals keeping in view the needs of knowledge management (KM) applications in Indian academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing relevant literature on the topic, a list of 25 competencies was prepared and organized in five categories. A link for attending the survey (list of KM competency statements) for the validation of competencies was sent via electronic mail to the teachers (95 in numbers) of 65 LIS schools where post‐graduate courses in LIS were offered. Respondents were asked to nominate the level of importance for validation of each proposed KM competency.FindingsFindings of the study show a minor difference in the mean scores of five categories of competencies, but all the competencies were validated as needed. However, respondents were of the opinion that development of competencies in the field of management by LIS professionals is the most essential requirement for effective application of KM in Indian academic libraries.Practical implicationsCompetencies validated by the respondents may be used as the groundwork for evaluation of current LIS educational programmes and revision of LIS curricula to impart a wide range of competencies to LIS students for working in KM environment.Originality/valueSince no empirical study on required competencies for KM in India has been carried out before, this study closes this gap and provides guidelines to modify existing LIS curricula or LIS educational programmes to impart skills and competencies as validated by the academic community.