Exploring Library User Perception on the Link between Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Exploring Library User Perception on the Link between Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development

Jacob Kehinde OPELE¹, Yemisi Susan ADEYEYE², Deborah Funmilola IYANDA³ & Murainah Alo OLAGOKE^4
1National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
^2&4Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
³American International University, West Africa, the Gambia

Abstract: – This study explored library user perception on the link between knowledge economy and sustainable development. This study adopted the descriptive survey design of correlational type. The population of the study consisted of all library users who were randomly selected during the period of the study. In all, 250 library users agreed to participate in this study. Out of which, 200 of them completed the questionnaires as 30 questionnaires were not adequately completed and 20 respondents did not return their copies. The questionnaire was validated by two experts in library and information science disciplines while the reliability of the instrument was determined by conducting a pilot study among 30 library users at two faculty libraries at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The reliability test revealed a high level of inter-item consistencies. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, correlation, and regression. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the knowledge economy and sustainable development (r = 0.327, P<.05). The results further revealed that; education and training (β = 0.427, t = 6.191, p<.05) and ICT (β = 0.322, t = 5.172, p<.05) significantly influenced sustainable development. This study concluded that the ability of the key stakeholders in the knowledge economy should leverage on the intangible assets within the economy which will help to identify, create, manage and measure the successes and failures of the knowledge economy and how this can affect sustainable development

Keywords: Knowledge management practices, Knowledge economy, sustainable development

I. INTRODUCTION

The consciousness of human activities all over the globe suggests that mankind now operates in the knowledge-driven economic space where knowledge and its application have replaced the factors of production such as land, labor, resources, or capital (Gloet & Terziovski, 2004); (Badii & Sharif, 2003). The main driver in the current global knowledge economy is knowledge. Knowledge has been described as insights, understandings, and practical know-how that people possess, the fundamental resource that allows people to function intelligently (Tengö, Brondizio, Elmqvist, Malmer, & Spierenburg, 2014). Thus, applying knowledge in its correct quantity will lead to improved sustainable development in all sectors of the economy.

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