Abstract:

This paper extends an earlier research of the same author on the Renewable Knowledge (RK) concept from the perspective of public libraries as collective spaces for the generation, transfer and long-term capitalization of this type of knowledge. RK refers to knowledge assets as renewable resources - considering that a renewable resource is a type of resource that, although bearing the influence of environmental interactions, can be used, recombined and reused with new meanings and in different ways. As a renewable collective asset, knowledge reveals a hierarchical structure consisting of data, information, knowledge and wisdom. Starting from this, the author explores the dynamics of the RK creation and preservation, based on the understanding, recombination, reinterpretation and operationalization of knowledge as a universal public good, generating creativity, co-creation and transformative learning. By analysing the complex process of RK aggregation with special focus on different knowledge types, current research aims at investigating how knowledge becomes RK and how libraries can be transformed into key actors in the activation and valorisation of this type of knowledge.

By using the action research methodology, the author probes the perception of library professionals on RK and exemplifies the application of this concept in a real work environment in the library ecosystem in Romania and in 5 European countries. Main data sets were collected via a questionnaire and a complex structured interview addressed to the top and middle library management in Romania and in Europe. The author interpreted the responses in order to evaluate and classify the main approaches identified in the process of RK creating, storing and preserving in libraries. The added value for education means approaching RK by using the Service Science lenses, capitalizing on the author’s capacity of early investigator involved in providing library use cases in the Horizon 2021-2027 project entitled “SHIFT: MetamorphoSis of cultural Heritage Into augmented hypermedia assets For enhanced accessibiliTy and inclusion”. To combat the lack of coherence in the RK definition, the author puts the present concept in relation to common, shared or partially accessible assets and explores the particularities and benefits of preserving and multiplying RK by libraries. The multi-level analysis contributes to understanding RK by heterogeneous adult learners’ communities (professionals and library service users) and brings concrete examples of using RK in library activities. It introduces a new framework of understanding in which the knowledge generation processes are seen as a result of interpersonal interactions. For that, a questionnaire containing 14 questions on modern library services and their level of accessibility was applied to a complex database of Romanian county library managers plus public library associations from 15 European countries. The research was based on the collected data interpretation, as well as on reports and official methodological documents of libraries at European level.

The article proposes a new perspective on the understanding and practice of knowledge flows in different libraries from various regions and cultures, aiming at increasing the RK concept penetration level and its potential to generate a new favourable paradigm in recognizing and strengthening the role of libraries in creating, storing and preserving RK as part of lifelong learning dynamics.

Keywords:

Renewable Knowledge, Library Ecosystem, Knowledge Assets, Service Science, Service Ecosystem, Co-creation, Transformative Learning, Library Use Cases.