Organizational Learning in Academic Libraries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The Organizational Learning (OL) theme in academic libraries in Brazil is underexplored and publications presenting results of empirical studies are incipient. Considering the importance of further study in the area, a systematic review was conducted in the literature to identify and analyze how the subject of OL, related to the context of academic libraries, has been approached in empirical studies from 2005 to 2015. For analysis, 16 articles were selected. Subject areas addressed in the studies focus on: OL as a process (individual, group and organizational learning); OL relationships with knowledge management; information management and institutional assessment; impact of organizational culture on OL and organizational learning capacity. Related to the methodological approach, prevalent quantitative studies. A summary of the results described in the articles points to: a) the relevance of the learning culture, organizational culture and leadership style to the OL and the performance of libraries; b) the importance of individual and group learning to achieve the OL; c) the learning communities (intra and interdepartmental networks) and communities of practice as significant to generate and transfer knowledge acquired; d) Low OL from institutional assessment processes.

Keywords: Organizational learning; Academic library; Systematic review; Bibliometrics