KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AS ENABLER OF EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN STATE OWNED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated knowledge management (KM) practices as a change enabler for effective service delivery in academic libraries in the digital age. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from professional and para-professional librarians in three Adamawa State-owned academic libraries: Adamawa State University, Mubi; Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola; and College of Education, Hong. Seventy-one valid responses were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that all six dimensions of KM practices knowledge creation, capturing, organization, sharing, utilization, and storage were implemented at a high level. Knowledge organization recorded the highest mean score (3.70), indicating strong compliance with standard cataloguing and classification practices, while knowledge creation had the lowest mean score (2.9). Overall, the libraries demonstrated a high level of knowledge management implementation, with a grand mean score of 3.0, highlighting the significant role of KM in enhancing library services and operational efficiency. The study concluded that the selected academic libraries have effectively embraced knowledge management practices, thereby supporting improved service delivery in the digital environment. It recommended the continuous adoption of comprehensive KM frameworks, regular staff training and professional development, increased use of technological tools, promotion of a knowledge-sharing culture, and the establishment of mentorship program to facilitate knowledge transfer among staff. The study also contributes to the limited empirical literature on knowledge management practices in academic libraries, particularly within the Nigerian context.