Knowledge Management on Information Access and Utilization in University Libraries in Rivers State

Abstract

This paper examined knowledge management on information access and utilization in university libraries in Rivers State. Four objectives in line with four research questions guided the study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Literature was reviewed based on the study variables. The population was 47 librarians from the three public university libraries in Rivers State. The total number of 47 population of the librarians was adopted; hence, census sampling technique was utilized for the study. Self-structured instrument titled "Influence of Knowledge Management on Information Access and Utilization Questionnaire (IKMIAUQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was three experts. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test-retest method in which the initial and retest scores were correlated using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation which yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.80. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that information storage, knowledge management tools, Information and communication technology had a positive influence on information access and utilization in university libraries in Rivers State; as it provides access to resources, helps users locate both print and electronic resources, improve users’ ability to access and utilize information effectively. The study recommended amongst others that university libraries should adopt more advanced digital storage and indexing systems to ensure proper organization and quick retrieval of resources. The concluded that effective information storage, the use of knowledge management tools, and the application of information and communication technology (ICT) significantly influence how library users’ access and utilize information resources for academic and research purposes.

Key Words: Knowledge Management, Information Access, Utilization, University Libraries