Libraries as learning organisations: implications for knowledge management

Abstract

The concept of a learning organisation is relevant to all twenty-first century organisations because of increasing complexity, uncertainty and change (Malhotra, 1996). Libraries can benefit significantly as learning organisations through reducing complacency; continuous learning, improvement and innovation (Michael and Higgins, 2002); being better equipped to deal with independent and distance learning (Brophy, 2005); serving as a source of competition (Fowler, 1998); promoting inquiry and dialogue; encouraging collaboration and team learning; establishing systems to capture and share learning; empowering people toward a collective vision; and connecting the organisation to its environment (Watkins and Marsick,1993).