The relationship between knowledge management and organizational learning among public librarians: A case study of public librarians in Fars province

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and organizational learning among public librarians in Fars province.

This study was conducted as an applied and descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all librarians of public libraries in Fars province in 1400 (322 people), in which 175 librarians were selected as a sample by simple random sampling. In order to collect people's opinions, Bukowitz and Williams (1999) standard knowledge management questionnaire and organizational learning questionnaire based on Neefe theory (2001) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Descriptive statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and in inferential statistics, Pearson correlation test and multiple linear regression were used.

The results of correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant relationship between KM and OL among librarians of public libraries in Fars province. Also, among KM’s components, knowledge production and consolidation and sharing had the most correlation with OL (respectively 0.900 and 0/898 correlation coefficients). Also, the result of multiple linear regression showed that there is a 100% common variance between KM and OL (ADJ.R2=1.000). The production and consolidation component is the strongest predictor for OL (Beta=0.197). This study showed that knowledge production and consolidation component (acquisition of required skills in accordance with organizational goals) and knowledge sharing (transfer and sharing of effective individual and organizational experiences) have the greatest relationship and impact on the promotion and improvement of OL.

The issue of knowledge management has been considered in public library literature in recent years. However, the relationship between knowledge management and organizational learning has not been studied much; in addition, the study of this issue in the public library librarians of Fars province has been specifically considered in the present study. The results of this research can pave the way for library managers to try to improve knowledge and knowledge management that has led to organizational learning by planning, appropriate policies, and providing standards.