Knowledge Sharing and Factors Influencing Sharing in Libraries — A Pilot Study on the Knowledge Sharing Attributes of the Education City Library Community in Qatar

Abstract

Purpose — The purpose of this pilot study is to understand the knowledge sharing attributes of the librarians in the Education City libraries and to identify the impending factors that affect the sharing process. This pilot study is part of a country wide study on the aspects of knowledge sharing in libraries. Findings — The results showed that library professionals in the Education City, Qatar were involved in a lot of knowledge sharing activities among colleagues within their library and other libraries. The result also identifies the knowledge sources and with whom they share what. It was also found that cultural differences, language and library policies are important factors that have impacted significantly the flow of knowledge in the expatriate library community. Research limitations/implications — The coverage on the universities in this paper is confined primarily to Education City, where majority of the universities are present. However, future research could include the few other universities/colleges that are out of the ambit of Education City to have a wider population in the study. Practical implications — This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the working conditions in this region and Qatar in particular. It provides a useful overview of the knowledge sharing trends and requirements and the impediments to sharing vital knowledge that would help professionals in gaining some knowledge about the constraints and be prepared. Originality/Value — There are no previous studies undertaken on knowledge sharing among library professionals in this region. This is the first ever study undertaken to understand the knowledge sharing attributes and trends among librarians in Qatar. So this study would be in the interest of all the library professionals that are contemplating an international career in this region and also understand the cultural and other differences when they arrive.