The Applications of Lead User Method in Knowledge Management Practice at Malaysian Universities Library

Abstract

In Malaysia, the interest of Knowledge Management (KM) practices is still growing especially among Malaysian universities library. The truth is big multinational companies still lead the way, but a number of large corporations in the country are beginning to take their steps down the KM road. This paper is seek to fill a significant method of multi-cross discipline approach so-called the “Lead User” method from technology management and manufacturing area to generate an appropriate concept of the lead user in the context of Library and Information Science (LIS) environment. While the lead user method is frequently cited in the preceding literature, yet, there are only limited attempts to comprehensively discuss on how this approach is embedded in theories and empirical findings of linkage between KM practice and library users' satisfaction at Malaysian university libraries. The lead user method is in the focus of the present paper, both with respect to develop its theoretical foundation and its implementation into the KM in the library environment. Therefore, an empirical research on the lead user in the library is reviewed to clarify the theoretical foundation of the lead user method. Finally, the finding of this study hoped that the “Lead User” method can be accepted and contributed as a new body of knowledge in the LIS environment especially in Malaysia. The implications of finding in this study hoped would show a development trend of KM practices at Malaysian universities library.