Browsing by Author "Ngcamu, Siphelele"

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    Knowledge management practices in public libraries: a case study of uMkhanyakude district in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    (University of Zululand, 2024) Ngcamu, Siphelele; Dlamini, P.N.
    The study's main purpose was to survey the knowledge management practices in public libraries in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Three research objectives informed the study: to identify knowledge management practices in public libraries, understand the value of knowledge management practices in public libraries, and determine the factors hampering knowledge management practices in public libraries. The study was underpinned by knowledge creation whose founder is Nonaka (1994). The study was informed by the interpretivism research paradigm, which is associated with qualitative studies. The study collected data from six librarians who were purposively selected from public libraries. The study adopted a social anthropological approach, which thoroughly evaluated each participant's response. Data was collected from the participants through telephonic semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis. The study's findings showed that all six (100%) selected public libraries apply knowledge management practices. The findings of the study revealed that public libraries have knowledge sharing as the main knowledge management practice. It was noted that public libraries employ many practices, but each library employed its practices of choice depending on their knowledge management practices structure. The findings further showed that knowledge management practices in public libraries are employed through meetings, training, information sessions, and awareness, to mention a few. The findings revealed that knowledge management practices make the libraries usable. The results also showed that 83.35% of public libraries had factors hampering knowledge management practices. The factors are not limited to shortage of funds, resources and space, and political interference. Several suggestions were made to improve knowledge management practices in public libraries. These suggestions include improving the library budget, increasing libraries’ building sizes, and conducting more staff training.