Abstract

Ugwu, C. I. and Ifeanyi J. Ezema*

This paper aims to identify the competencies perceived to be essential for successful knowledge management applications in Nigerian academic libraries. The paper was guided by five specific objectives. A cross sectional survey approach was used for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument to collect data from one hundred academic librarians who participated in the 47th Annual Conference/AGM of Nigerian Library Association held in Ibadan in July 2009 and 67 questionnaires were returned as valid for analysis which gives a response rate of 67%.This was considered adequate enough for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. The results of the study show that, the skills needed for successful knowledge management applications are KM cultural skills, leadership skills, strategic skills and restructuring skills. For effective application of knowledge management in Nigerian university libraries, it is important that librarians are trained to acquire the identified KM skills to face the challenges of knowledge economy. This is a fundamental study which reveals the relevance of knowledge management in Nigerian university libraries in line with competencies required for effective KM implementation.