Knowledge Management Culture among Library Cataloguers: the University of Zambia Library Experience

Abstract

This paper assesses knowledge management processes and practices of the Cataloguing department of the University of Zambia Library; investigates factors that lead to poor working systems among Cataloguers; cause inconsistencies and data redundancy in the library’s database. A case study approach was adopted, with the aim of getting detailed information and insights into the experienced problem of inconsistencies and duplication of the data. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. The results show that there is little knowledge sharing and transfer amongst the cataloguers; use of existing rules or standards such as Anglo American Cataloguing Rules and Library of Congress Cataloguing Schedules with its Subject Headings is compromised by the poor grounding of Cataloguers. The study indicates that there is no system in place to manage tacit knowledge; lack of proper training and skills in cataloguing and; not being able to seek help from colleagues; lack the ability of verifying the existence of materials in the database before working on them and simply human error. There is little systematic knowledge sharing and transfer of knowledge among cataloguers. Although there is use of existing standards; this is compromised by lack of knowledge of cataloguing. The study also identifies formulation of policies on the sharing of knowledge.