Knowledge Management Processes and Innovative Practices as Correlates of Librarians' Productivity: A Factor Analysis Approach

Abstract

The study investigated the relationships among Knowledge Management Process (KMP) factors influencing librarians’ innovative performance in information service delivery in Nigerian libraries with the aim of establishing a framework for enhancing library services in the face of rapid technological advancement. The adopted a concurrent mixed-research approach employing both quantitative data through correlation research design using descriptive and multivariate factor analysis methods and a qualitative data through an in-depth interview method on a sampled 207 librarians. The study found that knowledge sharing through social-media and blogs, Cloud-Based library systems, facilitating knowledge transfer through collaborative platforms and adopting Artificial Intelligence are the innovative KM practices that improve librarians’ productivity. Inadequate ICT infrastructure and resistance to change are impediments to KM Adoption. Using a factor analysis approach, the study explores the underlying multidimensional relationships among KM and innovative practice variables and condenses them into a smaller set of components for model and instrument development. The study found that the KM process (creation, dissemination and sharing) (β=0.348, t=5.899, p < .01, N = 207) and innovative practices (β=0.620, t=10.496, p < .01, N = 207) enhance librarians’ productivity. The results of the factor analysis revealed a 0.960 KMO, showing an adequate sample size. The study identified and retained 4 factors with sufficient eigenvalue in Factor 1 (15.549), Factor 2 (7.791), Factor 3 (4.134), and Factor 4 (2.261), significantly greater than the randomly generated eigenvalue of parallel analysis. The CFA revealed CMIN/DF=1.389, RMSEA=0.043, TLI=0.990, and CFI=0.991, which provides an acceptable hypothetical model. The findings were used to develop a KM framework “Innovative KM Process Conceptual Framework” as the contribution of the study. The study highlights the importance of the factor analysis approach as a mechanism for enhancing librarians' productivity and improving library services and recommends the application of a strategic approach to increase productivity.