Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Reza Karimi ¹
• Fatemeh Yazdan Panah ²
• Mohammad Reza Shekari ³

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

² M.A. in Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to identify and prioritize the factors affecting the Personal Knowledge Management of academic librarians.

Methodology: In terms of purpose, this research is applied; regarding data collection, it is descriptive; and in terms of approach, it adopts an exploratory mixed-method design. In the qualitative phase, a systematic review was conducted to identify relevant factors. The extracted factors were then examined, refined, and validated using the Fuzzy Delphi method. In the quantitative phase, the Marcus method was employed to prioritize the identified factors.

Findings: The results indicate that academic librarians’ PKM is influenced by three major categories of factors: individual, infrastructural, and organizational. Individual factors include opportunities for knowledge sharing, attitudes toward PKM knowledge-sharing culture, perceived ease and usefulness of knowledge sharing, job motivation, and communication skills. Infrastructural factors emphasize the availability of relevant tools, systems, and technologies. Organizational factors include organizational culture and climate, leadership empowerment, and personalization strategies.

Conclusion: PKM is closely dependent on organizational structures and supporting technologies. Individual motivations, attitudes, and skills play a critical role in facilitating knowledge sharing; however, without adequate technological infrastructure and organizational support, these efforts are unlikely to achieve optimal outcomes. The development of emerging technologies can accelerate knowledge-sharing processes, enhance knowledge utilization, and reduce technical barriers. Likewise, a supportive organizational culture and an appropriate organizational climate encourage greater confidence in sharing knowledge. Therefore, improving PKM in academic libraries requires a comprehensive approach that simultaneously strengthens individual competencies, develops technological infrastructures, and fosters supportive organizational environments.

Keywords

• Knowledge Sharing
• Personal Knowledge Management
• Academic Librarians
• Academic Libraries
• MARCOS Method

Main Subjects

• Technological Dimensions of Data, Information and Knowledge Studies