Academic Librarianship and Information Research

Academic Librarianship and Information Research

Evaluating Knowledge Management Maturity Using the APQC Maturity Model

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Saeed Ghaffari 1
masoud bakhtiari 2
Soroush Ghaffari 3
1 Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University Tehran Central Branch, Tehran, Iran.
10.22059/jlib.2026.416149.1828
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge management maturity in the public libraries of Qom based on the APQC model.
Method: This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population consisted of 112 librarians working in the public libraries of Qom, of whom 86 were selected as the sample using the Cochran formula. Data were collected using the standard APQC knowledge management maturity questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test.
Results: The results indicated positive and significant relationships among the dimensions of knowledge management maturity. The one-sample t-test also showed that the mean scores of the knowledge management dimensions were below the desired level. Overall, the knowledge management maturity of the libraries was classified at the initial stage, namely “starting to recognize the need.” In the ranking of the dimensions, information technology obtained the highest position, whereas leadership ranked the lowest.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that although the information technology infrastructure is relatively well-developed, weaknesses in leadership, organizational processes, and employee capabilities constitute major barriers to improving knowledge management maturity in the public libraries of Qom. Therefore, strengthening managerial support, improving knowledge processes, and developing employees’ capabilities should be prioritized in knowledge management improvement programs.
Keywords
APQC model
knowledge management maturity assessment
knowledge management maturity
knowledge management
leadership
maturity model
public libraries
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Academic Librarianship and Information Research
Volume 60, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 1-18