Benchmarking the Knowledge Management Practices in Selected European Higher Education Libraries

Abstract

Knowledge Management (KM) in libraries refers to the systematic management and control of knowledge as an important resource when producing high quality library and information services. If one wishes to make the optimal use and dissemination of organizational and other work-life related knowledge, then one needs to acquire appropriate knowledge management tools and to adopt a systematic procedure for KM throughout the organization. This can exert an energizing effect on the lifelong learning of the libraries’ staff which is essential in today’s rapidly changing scientific information environment. This qualitative research conducted in three academic libraries – IZUS / Universitätsbibliothek Stuttgart, Germany, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Library (UAB) Barcelona, Spain and University of Eastern Finland Library (UEF), Finland – makes a comparison of the KM processes being implemented in each of the institutions to ensure the continuous learning of the libraries’ staff.