How Are They Faring? Knowledge Management Practices in Support of Senior Librarians in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Member Libraries.

Abstract

This research explores the intersection of two subjects, KM practices and the condition of senior librarians working in the largest academic libraries in the United States and Canada. These libraries are members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). In order to learn the extent to which KM practices are being deployed in ARL libraries, how ARL demographics and library cultures may be changing, and whether KM practices are helping to support senior librarians, the author created a 42-item questionnaire that covered five topics: library demographics; knowledge management technologies/methods of collaboration; worker satisfaction and engagement; regular mentoring/reverse mentoring; and job restructuring, contract buyout, and exit interviews. The survey received an 18% response rate and its questions are listed at the end in an appendix.