Abstract
This study examined information retrieval skills and knowledge management in academic libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study focused on to ascertaining the relationship between search strategies, database navigation, and information organization as components of information retrieval skills and knowledge management in academic libraries. Research questions and hypothesis were raise to guide the study. Literature were reviewed according to the sub-variables. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 252 library staff from selected academic libraries in Cross River State. From which a sample of 127 respondents was drawn using stratified and proportionate random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled: Information Retrieval Skills and Knowledge Management Questionnaire (IRSKMQ). The reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha with reliability coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.81. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between search strategies and knowledge management, database navigation and knowledge management, as well as information organization and knowledge management in academic libraries. The study concluded that effective information retrieval skills significantly enhance knowledge management practices in library management. It was therefore recommended that library management and relevant stakeholders should organize regular training and capacity-building programmes for library staff to improve their competencies in information retrieval skill like search strategies, database navigation, and information organization for effective knowledge management.
Keywords: Information Retrieval skill, Knowledge Management, Search Strategies, Database Navigation, Information Organization, Academic Libraries.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31