Problems of knowledge management practices in libraries and information centres of Bangladesh

Abstract

The main goal of the study is to explore the shortcoming in existing knowledge management practices of some selected academic and special libraries and information centres in Bangladesh in terms of knowledge management activities, human resource management, knowledge innovation-based activities and use of ICT as a tool for knowledge management. Data were collected through review of existing literature on knowledge management, and a structured questionnaire designed for a total of 16 libraries including five public university libraries, four private university libraries, six special libraries and one information centre. This study depicts that a good number of the respondents (25%) never tried to promote knowledge exchange and sharing programmes among staff and users. Half of the total respondents (50%) were not interested in encouraging staff members in the talent competition in all categories. About 38% of the respondents never developed knowledge resources for increasing knowledge level and ability among staff and users. The essence of the study is that knowledge management practice in the libraries of Bangladesh has just been started. Finally, the study provides some suggestions for the development of knowledge management practices in the context of libraries and information centres in Bangladesh.