Management and the management of information, knowledge‐based and library services 2002

The Perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals Toward Knowledge Management in University Libraries

This study explores the general perspectives of library and information science (LIS) professionals on knowledge management in the university libraries of Pakistan. The study specifically examines the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of Pakistani LIS professionals toward knowledge management. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to evaluate the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of LIS professionals toward knowledge management. The questionnaires were administered to subject librarians who were included in the sample at the universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Generalising the findings of this study over the population of LIS community in Pakistan reveals that knowledge management is for the improvement of library services and productive purposes. Accordingly, the Pakistani LIS professionals use knowledge management practices for the improvement of their respective library service. The LIS community is also very familiar with the term “knowledge management”. It succeeded mainly to generalise that majority of the LIS professionals mentioned that they have used knowledge management in their libraries.

Supply chain management model for digital libraries

Purpose

This paper seeks to create a novel management model for digital libraries which can effectively respond to the challenges and culture posed by Google or other search engines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper attempts to construct an advanced management model for a digital library which can have the advantages of Google, other search engines and libraries, yet avoid their inherent weakness. For that, the paper investigates and analyzes the advantages and weaknesses of Google and digital libraries at home and abroad, and makes reference to the theory of supply chain management (SCM) to construct a new management model for a digital library.

Findings

A supply chain for the digital library is constructed and a supply chain architecture for digital libraries, their components and the running situations of content services flow, information flow and funds flow in supply chain, is proposed. The components are described in detail. Then three kinds of service models are constructed and their service processes are analyzed.

Practical implications

The paper is one of the research findings of the National Key Technology R&D Program of China during the 11th Five‐Year Plan Period (No. 2006BAH02A12): Digital Content Supporting Technology Platform and will be applied to Chinese digital libraries construction.

Originality/value

The supply chain management model for a digital library which is blessed with the advantages of Google and libraries but without their weaknesses is studied and presented for the first time. The model can provide a well‐suited, highly efficient and one‐stop‐shop information and knowledge service for users.

Issues and perceptions for ISO 9000 implementation in Greek academic libraries

Purpose

Quality has been defined in many different ways and it forms a complex and subjective concept, incorporating at any given time the true (expressed and implied) needs of all those involved. A possible approach in the context of library and information services is the implementation of a well‐known quality management system such as the ISO 9001:2000. This paper aims to investigate and empirically assess the current issues and the perceptions for quality management systems implementation in Greek academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical qualitative survey based on the development of a questionnaire for semi‐structured interviews with the directors of Greek academic libraries. The study was conducted during the third quarter of 2007 in regard to the effects of quality management system implementation.

Findings

The comparisons between approaches to, and perceptions of, quality management need to be balanced. An interest for ISO 9000:2000/ISO 9001:2000 has been observed in academic libraries in Greece.

Practical implications

The study of the current attempts for implementing quality management systems as well as evidence about perceptions regarding ISO 9000:2000 of libraries directors may aid in the development of policies for quality management in academic libraries in Greece.

Originality/value

This paper provides information for ISO 9001:2000 implementation in Greek academic libraries and empirical results about the perceptions of Greek academic library directors based on semi‐structured interviews.