Knowledge Sharing Practices as a Correlate of Service Delivery of Polytechnic Library Staff in South-West Nigeria

Background: This study investigates the level of knowledge sharing practices among staff in polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. Polytechnic libraries are essential for teaching, learning, and research support, and the quality of their services is influenced by knowledge sharing, which fosters innovation, problem-solving, and user satisfaction through the exchange of experiences, expertise, and skills.

Method: A quantitative approach with a survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 325 professional and para-professional library staff from 23 public polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling technique was used, with 325 questionnaires distributed and 266 valid responses retrieved (response rate: 81.85%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation) to assess relationships.

Findings/Results: The findings revealed a moderately high level of knowledge sharing practices among polytechnic library staff (M = 2.5514). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between knowledge sharing and service delivery (r = 0.609, p < 0.05), indicating that knowledge sharing enhances the quality of library services.

Implications: The results suggest that knowledge sharing practices significantly contribute to improved service delivery in polytechnic libraries. Encouraging a culture of knowledge exchange can enhance innovation, problem-solving, and user satisfaction, thereby strengthening library services.

Conclusion: The study concludes that knowledge sharing practices are moderately high among polytechnic library staff in South-West, Nigeria, and are significantly correlated with improved service delivery. A sustained culture of knowledge sharing is essential for sustainable service quality.

Recommendations: The study recommends sustaining and increasing the current level of knowledge sharing practices among polytechnic library staff to ensure improved and sustainable service delivery.