Analyzing the Status of Knowledge Management in the Body of Knowledge and Information Science Research: A Systematic Review

Purpose: In this research, a systematic review method was employed to analyze knowledge management (KM) research within the field of knowledge and information science, including scientific research articles and theses. The purpose of this research was to identify the purpose and types of research, society and tools commonly employed, as well as the prevalent patterns, models, and issues addressed in knowledge management (KM) research within libraries and information centers in Iran over the past twenty years. This analysis aims to uncover the potential strengths and weaknesses of these studies in the field.
Methodology: The purpose of this research is both practical and quantitative, and it was conducted using a systematic review method. The statistical population for this systematic review included all research articles resulting from quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in Iran between 2003 and 2023, specifically in the field of knowledge management (KM) in libraries and information centers published in the Persian language. This research followed the systematic review method outlined by Pettigrew and Roberts, which consists of 12 steps.
Findings: According to the findings of this study, the diversity of substrates in the reviewed research is significant. This variety is primarily attributed to the differences among libraries and information centers. This research identified nine distinct contexts for investigation across the studies. Notably, approximately half of the research in this field was conducted in university libraries, accounting for 46.15%. After these centers, public libraries have accounted for 20% of these studies, while the contributions of other libraries and centers are minimal. The primary community involved in most of these studies includes librarians, managers, library staff, and faculty members. The most common research tool utilized is the questionnaire, which has been employed in nearly 90% of the studies. In addition to this point, it is evident that a substantial proportion of these questionnaires (52.31%) were "designed and created by experts and researchers. Furthermore, 11 models have been utilized in approximately 14% of the studies in this field. The most frequently mentioned models, each with a frequency of 4 (3.07%), are the Heisig model and the Beckowitz and Williams model. The primary research focus in this field is on "the application and implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) as well as exploring the relationship between KM and "other variables and issues" (23.1%). After the two primary topics, organizational culture and infrastructure review (accounting for 12.22% and 9.33%, respectively) were identified as the most frequently discussed themes in these studies. In addition to variables such as innovation and social capital, which have been examined in relation to knowledge management (KM) with high frequency (26.66% and 16.16%, respectively), at least 13 other variables or subject areas—such as creativity, entrepreneurship, management styles, and organizational learning—have also been explored. This indicates a significant diversity in the subject matter.
Conclusion: Iranian libraries, like other organizations, recognize the significance and impact of knowledge management (KM). The extensive focus of researchers—evident from the considerable number of studies conducted—indicates that assessing the readiness level of these institutions is a primary concern. Despite over three decades of research, libraries and information centers in Iran still have limited experience in implementing knowledge management (KM), and this practice has not yet matured in its execution. The research reviewed indicates that the emphasis is on preparing for the introduction of Knowledge Management (KM); however, the critical phase of implementation has not yet been achieved. The number of studies conducted to examine the level of preparation, identify the factors affecting knowledge management (KM), and address its obstacles is sufficient to conclude that the time has come for the implementation of KM in these centers. In Iran, research on KM is growing within the context of libraries. These studies have laid the groundwork for the extensive implementation of Knowledge Management (KM). Now is the time to put KM into practice and reap its benefits within these organizations.