| dc.description.abstract | The potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve operational efficiency and
effectiveness has been widely acknowledged in various sectors. However, university
libraries are yet to fully embrace this technology. The main purpose of this study was
to investigate the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in enhancing
knowledge management at Catholic University of Eastern Africa library, with a view
to recommend best practices. Specific objectives were to: assess the types of Internets
of Things technology adopted at Catholic University of Eastern Africa library, examine
factors attributed to successful adoption of the Internet of Things at Catholic University
of Eastern Africa library, examine how internet of things technology relate with
knowledge management and determine the competency of library staff in using IoT to
manage knowledge at Catholic University of Eastern Africa library. The study was
guided by the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use and Adaptive
Structural Theory, and was conducted at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa
university libraries. Utilizing a descriptive research design, this study focused on a
target population of seven decision-making librarians and five hundred library patrons.
Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews with a
purposively selected university librarian, five section head librarians, and six focus
group discussions (7 each), involving simple randomly sampled library patrons.
Document analysis was also conducted. Content analysis and thematic categorization
were used for data analysis. The study found out that there was limited IoT adoption
for knowledge management in libraries at CUEA. This is attributed to challenges in
infrastructure, training, and organizational barriers. Key success factors identified
include robust infrastructure, user acceptance, library staff training, and organizational
support. The study also found varying competency levels among library staff in using
IoT technology. Additionally, a positive relationship between IoT and knowledge
management was observed, particularly in terms of information access, resource
management, and collaboration. The study concluded that the IoT adoption for
knowledge management in libraries at CUEA were limited to infrastructure, training,
competency, user acceptance, support and organizational barriers. Additionally, a
positive relationship between IoT and knowledge management was observed. Based on
the findings, the study recommends that libraries should develop a comprehensive
strategy for integrating IoT technology into knowledge management practices.
Libraries should establish partnerships with technology providers and industry experts
to access suitable IoT solutions. Libraries should conduct regular assessments and
evaluations to monitor the progress and measure the impact of IoT implementation.
Additionally, the government should foster a culture of innovation and continuous
learning within university libraries. Furthermore, the study encourages further research
and studies to expand the knowledge base and contribute to the advancement of best
practices in the field of IoT adoption for knowledge management in university libraries.
By implementing these recommendations, university libraries will leverage IoT
technology effectively, enhance their knowledge management capabilities, and make
significant contributions to academic excellence in research and learning environments | en_US |
