Knowledge Management (KM) in Higher Education: The Role of Librarians/Information Professionals

Abstract

Many universities have combined their libraries and information technology departments to create ‘Information Services Departments’. In the US, mergers are happening at small liberal colleges. In China, Australia & the UK, mergers have happened in big universities. Library and IT services report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Vice-Principal / Deputy Vice-Chancellor for KM. Sometimes the position of University Librarian (Director of Libraries) is eliminated. New organisation structures have been developed. But The blended model is said to have failed in research universities in the US. (A. Foster, 2008).