Problems and Prospects of Knowledge Sharing in Libraries: a meta-synthesis of the empirical literature

The aim of this paper is to identify and summarize potential antecedents and variables that promote or impede knowledge sharing in libraries. A systematic literature review (meta-synthesis of empirical research) was carried out using a systematic data extraction technique to locate, retrieve, select, classify, and review 21 scholarly articles, published during 2015-2016 both quantitative and qualitative, relating to antecedents and barriers to the sharing of knowledge in libraries. The study noted minimal research on the sharing of knowledge in libraries in terms of both theoretical and realistic implementations. From the analysis of findings of these studies, six main themes have emerged. The results reported in the literature indicate that the attitudes and behaviour of LIS professionals differ from country to country, depending on their needs and circumstances. In addition, findings in the literature have revealed that the major obstacles hindering knowledge sharing (KS) are lack of time, trust, communication, financial support, top management support, technical support, and staff training. This study can be useful for researchers and librarians because it provides a conceptual framework for further studies on knowledge sharing from the perspective of libraries and information institutions.