Transcending Boundaries: Options And Prospects For Interfacing Living Library Traditions And Academic Library Systems

ABSTRACT

Knowledge production is pivotal to the growth and development of people. As society has evolved so have knowledge production systems. Traditionally, ethnic communities have preserved and transmitted knowledge generated from their beliefs, institutions and customs from one generation to another. With the introduction of Western systems, such communities have also participated in the formalized knowledge system preserved and transmitted through formal institutions of learning such as schools, colleges and universities. This dissertation has focused on knowledge production in Ghana with the view to understanding how traditional and academic systems can inspire each one in mutually beneficial ways. It examines the living knowledge traditions of the people of Dagbon alongside academic library systems in Ghana with the view to unveiling possibilities for bridging the two in the interest of sharing and enriching knowledge generation. The Dagbon living knowledge tradition, as held by the various indigenous experts collectively called the baansi and expressed in various performative arts, is distinct from the academic library system, which is a highly formalized knowledge production regime; yet, the two traditions have co-existed and are upheld as legitimate learning spaces. This study thus sought to assess the knowledge production processes of both systems, as well as evaluate the gaps and opportunities for determining possible ways for integrating the knowledge management mechanisms of indigenous living libraries and academic library systems. Using a descriptive case study design, the study employed a multi-site approach involving in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, storytelling, phased assertion, historical profiling and acoustic appreciation, among others, to elicit responses. The data were analyzed using qualitative techniques. The study confirmed the generally held assertion that there were evident differences in the two knowledge systems albeit several often overlooked similarities existed too.  The study also recommends a model for creating synergy between Baansi and Academic Libraries which emphasizes learning together and mutual respect for the co-exsistence and co-evolution of their knowledge systems.