Investigating Effects of Essential Components of Knowledge Management in Improving Information Services in Medical Sciences Libraries in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge is considered the most critical resource in the global economic environment, and knowledge management is considered a service lever in libraries. The current study aims to investigate the effects of knowledge management components, including information technology, culture, and organizational strategies, in improving information services in medical sciences libraries in Iran. Methods: This survey is conducted with a statistical population of 630 in the year 2021. The statistical population was selected from the managers of the central and affiliated libraries of the universities of medical sciences in Iran. The sample size was determined to be 373 people using Cochran's sample size formula. Besides, sampling was done using simple random. The research tool was a consolidated questionnaire that included two standard questionnaires: the Asian Productivity Organization and the LibQual questionnaire. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics using Amos software. Results: The results revealed that knowledge management technology had the strongest correlation with the quality of information services, with a beta coefficient of 0.26. The organizational culture variable, with a beta value of 0.23, was in second place, and the strategy variable was in third place, with a beta value of 0.22. Conclusion: Among knowledge management components, information technology, organizational culture, and organizational strategies impact the promotion and optimization of library information services, respectively. Therefore, to provide the best information services, library managers should pay special attention to promoting information technology in libraries. Then, to improve the organizational culture, they should enhance the processes and structural strategies