The knowledge audit : from information management to knowledge management : a case study of a provincial library service

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:There is a strong pressure for organizations to attaining, maintaining and improvingknowledge standards for sustained competitive strategic advantage. This assignmentexamines the status of knowledge and knowledge management (KM) practices at theProvincial Library Services (PLIS). I approached the topic by collecting data relevantto the management of information and knowledge and benefits of the KM activitiesusing the following methods:A review of literature and research: - addressing the paucity of literature andresearch that is both current and directly relevant to libraries was one of themotivating factors behind the study; analysis of key documents andinformation systems; a questionnaire was distributed to the PUS personnel;informal interviews and observations.The results seem to indicate that PLIS has a knowledge infrastructure and atechnology infrastructure. This is apparent in its knowledge programmes, e-mailsystem, web page, library management system (PROLIB), and limited access to theInternet. Staff has some fairly basic knowledge and information needs that must beaddressed. Few knowledge contents should be established. The baseline informationprovides a foundation for more coordination; recognition of the importance andenhancement of its KM related activities. KM activities should focus on individualcapabilities. Recommendations are articulated in terms of a proposed KM strategy.It became evident that success of knowledge management depends on anenvironment, which is conducive to conversion of individual knowledge toorganizational knowledge, the value to which employees place on knowledge andtheir attitude towards KM. Moreover, indicators of success and evidence ofeffectiveness should take the measuring criteria beyond a checklist of policies andstrategies, procedures and processes, systems, activities but professional competence,commitment, benchmarking and adoption of best practices for attainment of KMgoals. Important to note, is the reality that a KM activity for PLIS has to take broadertransformation imperatives into account.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University