An Investigation of Knowledge Management Infrastructures in the National Library and Archives of Iran

Document Type : Research ŮŽ Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Library and Information Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, I.R. Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, I.R. Iran

3 Associate Professor of Library and Information Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the current status of the National Library and Archives of Iran in terms of necessary knowledge management infrastructures including experts, processes and technology.
Design/Methodology /Approach: The research data was gathered using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire contained four parts including demographic characteristics, people, processes and technology as knowledge management infrastructures. The research universe included 108 out of 150 experts in the National Library and Archives of Iran working in the four sections of acquisition, organization, information and education & research. They were selected without sampling.
Findings: This research showed that experts as a knowledge management infrastructure are qualified enough, while the situation of processes was inappropriate and the situation of technology was unknown. Inspecting the presence or absence of a significant correlation among the three infrastructures proved that there is a significant correlation among all three of them.
Conclusion: The investigations into knowledge management infrastructures in the National Library of Iran show some factors effective in improving its efficiency, meeting its commitments, increasing transparency of library functions and purposes and increasing the knowledge of its staff about their duties. Based on these factors, this study suggests some strategies for the National Library and Archives of Iran and for further research in this field, including: deciding upon the knowledge manager and the innovation director, forming knowledge teams, designing the library knowledge plan, personal management, determining the system of reward and pay according to the knowledge of staff, and receiving comments and feedbacks from users.

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