Beyond digital adoption: knowledge management implementation in academic libraries and its technological and organizational barriers a systematic literature review

  • Berliani Ardi 
    Universitas Indonesia
    Indonesia
  • Muhamad Prabu Wibowo
    Universitas Indonesia
    Indonesia
  • Tamara Adriani Salim
    Universitas Indonesia
    Indonesia

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines knowledge management (KM) implementation in academic libraries by mapping technology enabled practices and identifying technological and organizational barriers that constrain adoption. Following PRISMA guided procedures, a Scopus based search (2015–2025) retrieved 118 records; after screening against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 full-text journal articles were included for narrative synthesis. Study quality and contribution were appraised using a relevance-based scoring scheme (1–10) aligned with the review focus (technology use, implementation detail, and barrier reporting). The synthesis indicates that academic libraries operationalize KM primarily through implementation of collaborative technologies, IoT, analytics and data-driven technologies and blockchain technology and digital security systems. Key barriers recur across contexts of infrastructure limitations, limited human resource capacity, limited managerial support and policies, knowledge hoarding, and standardization and technology interoperability. Reported impacts include improved knowledge sharing, stronger service effectiveness, and enhanced support for academic activities. This review consolidates technology categories and barrier mechanisms into an implementation-oriented synthesis and offers actionable implications for library leaders and policymakers to strengthen infrastructure readiness, interoperability planning, governance clarity, and workforce capability development for sustainable KM implementation.

Keywords
  • Knowledge management, Academic library, Organizational change resistance, Knowledge sharing culture, Digital infrastructure, Blockchain in library, IoT implementation
Lisensing Information
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References
  1. Alavi, M., & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25(1), 107-136. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250961
  2. Al-Shammari, M., & Fadlalla, A. (2020). Digital transformation in libraries: The role of knowledge management. Library Management, 41(2), 91-110. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-10-2019-0270
  3. Appleton, L. (2022). Trendspotting—Looking to the future in a post-pandemic academic library environment. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 28(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2022.2058174
  4. Ashiq, M., Jabeen, F., & Mahmood, K. (2022). Transformation of libraries during Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), 102534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102534
  5. Baxter, G., Beard, L., Beattie, G., Blake, M., Greenhall, M., Lingstadt, K., Nixon, W. J., & Reimer, T. (2021). Covid-19 and the future of the digital shift amongst research libraries: An RLUK perspective in context. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 27(3), 322–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2021.1976232
  6. Becerra-Fernandez, I., & Sabherwal, R. (2001). Knowledge management: Systems and processes. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 11(4), 249-265. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327744JOCE1104_01
  7. Dalkir, K. (2005). Knowledge management in theory and practice. Elsevier.
  8. Davenport, T. H., & Prusak, L. (1998). Working knowledge: How organizations manage what they know. Harvard Business Press. Liu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2020). The role of big data and cloud computing in academic library services. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 46(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2019.102035
  9. Gmiterek, G., & Kotuła, S. D. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence in the activities of academic libraries of public universities in Poland. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 51(3), 103043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103043
  10. Gordon, I. D., Cameron, B. D., Chaves, D., & Hutchinson, R. (2020). Information seeking behaviors, attitudes, and choices of academic mathematicians. Science & Technology Libraries, 39(3), 253–280. https://doi.org/10.1080/0194262X.2020.1758284
  11. Huang, L., Han, Y., Yuan, A., Xiao, T., Yu, Y., Wang, L., Zhang, X., Zhan, H., & Zhu, H. (2022). Performance evaluation method of library knowledge management based on data mining. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2022, 3358738. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3358738
  12. Islam, M., Ahmed, Z., & Sultana, A. (2020). Exploring the role of knowledge management in academic libraries: A systematic review of literature. Library Management Review, 58(4), 411–427. https://doi.org/10.1108/LMR-10-2020-0231
  13. Jesson J, Matheson L, Lacey FM. (2011). Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09500790.2011.581509
  14. Ma, C., Rafi, M., Tara, N., & Ahmad, K. (2025). Assessing the relevance of implementing blockchain technology to modernize services in academic libraries. LIBRI, 75(2), 205–218. https://doi.org/10.1515/libri-2024-0126
  15. Masenya, T. M. (2024). Breakthrough barriers to knowledge sharing using modern technologies in academic libraries in South Africa. International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development, 16(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJSKD.347380
  16. Mostofa, M., & Othman, R. (2024). User awareness of knowledge management practices of public university libraries in Bangladesh: A study. Record and Library Journal, 10(1), 76–92. https://doi.org/10.20473/rlj.V10-I1.2024.76-92
  17. Nitecki, D. A., & Alter, A. (2021). Leading FAIR adoption across the institution: A collaboration between an academic library and a technology provider. Data Science Journal, 20, 6. https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2021-006
  18. Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford University Press.
  19. Omarsaib, M. (2025). Integrating a digital pedagogy approach into online teaching: Are academic librarians at universities of technology in South Africa prepared? Information and Learning Sciences, 126(3/4), 192–213. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-01-2024-0012
  20. Oyelude, A. A. (2023). Indigenous knowledge preservation as a sign of respect for culture: Concerns of libraries, archives and museums. Insights: The UKSG Journal, 36, 21. https://doi.org/10.1629/uksg.628
  21. Perry, A., Hammond, N., 2002. Systematic Reviews: The Experiences of a PhD Student. Psychology Learning & Teaching. 2(1), 32–35. https://doi.org/10.2304/plat.2002.2.1.32
  22. Rahman, M. H., & Islam, M. N. (2024). The Impact of ChatGPT for Enhancing Knowledge Management in University Libraries. Journal of Web Librarianship, 18(4), 177–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/19322909.2024.2391907
  23. Rao, S. S. (2016). Perception and implementation of knowledge management by university librarians in India. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 36(6), 405–410. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.36.6.9588
  24. Shanks, J., & Arlitsch, K. (2016). Making sense of researcher services. Journal of Library Administration, 56(3), 295–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2016.1146534
  25. Tahleho, T. E., & Ngulube, P. (2022). Knowledge sharing and the improvement of service delivery in an academic library. International Journal of Knowledge Management, 18(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJKM.291704
  26. Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain revolution: How the technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is changing the world. Penguin.
  27. Wang, S., & Noe, R. A. (2010). Knowledge sharing: A review and directions for future research. Human Resource Management Review, 20(2), 115-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2009.03.001

Downloads

PDF

Statistic

Abstract Views
: 98 times
PDF
: 44 times