Exploring Tacit Knowledge Management Policies and Techniques in Academic Libraries in Kenya

This study examines the impact of tacit knowledge management strategies on the productivity of academic institutions, focusing on academic libraries. Knowledge management involves effectively managing resources to foster development, innovation, and productivity, with tacit knowledge being the complex, hard-to-quantify information transferred through communication. The study explored tacit knowledge management techniques at Strathmore, St. Paul’s University, and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), drawing on a sample of 56 librarians, including university librarians, heads of sections, and library staff. Using qualitative research methods, data was collected through questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results revealed that libraries favored mentorship, teamwork, and training to gather, share, and manage tacit knowledge. The study recommends stronger focus on tacit knowledge management to foster institutional culture and leadership that supports knowledge capture, sharing, and documentation. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on library and knowledge management.