UTILIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR LIBRARY OPERATIONS AND SERVICES IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY LOKOJA

This study investigated the utilisation of Knowledge Management Tools (KMTs) for library operations and services in the Federal University Lokoja Library. Guided by four objectives—to identify available and utilised KMTs, assess their application in library operations, evaluate their impact on services, and identify associated challenges—the study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population and sample comprised 50 library staff, with 48 valid responses representing a 96% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, mean scores, and standard deviations, based on a four-point Likert scale. Findings revealed that KMTs are moderately to highly available and used, with formal tools such as document management systems, institutional repositories, and intranet/knowledge portals being most prominent, while informal, collaborative tools like communities of practice and newsletters are less consistently applied. The utilisation of KMTs enhances operations and services by improving innovation, knowledge preservation, decision-making, and service quality, though gains in staff collaboration and efficiency remain moderate. Challenges identified include difficulty in measuring KMT impact, low staff awareness, and poor internet connectivity, while inadequate ICT infrastructure and staff resistance are less critical. It is recommended that the library management conduct regular training to raise staff awareness and competence in using KMTs, invest in reliable internet connectivity to support effective tool utilisation, and establish clear metrics for evaluating the impact of KMTs on service delivery