The concept of a learning
organisation is relevant to all twenty-first century organisations because of
increasing complexity, uncertainty and
change (Malhotra, 1996). Libraries can
benefit significantly as learning
organisations through reducing
complacency; continuous learning,
improvement and innovation (Michael
and Higgins, 2002); being better
equipped to deal with independent and
distance learning (Brophy, 2005);
serving as a source of competition
(Fowler, 1998); promoting inquiry and dialogue; encouraging collaboration and
team learning; establishing systems to capture and share learning; empowering people toward a collective vision; and
connecting the organisation to its
environment (Watkins and Marsick,1993).