Cooperation for mutual benefit: creating a global community for knowledge sharing

Abstract

This paper examines the critical question of knowledge production and knowledge sharing among different multi-cultural communities that are united by a common faith across the world. The discussion is rooted within the tradition of communalization of efforts and mutualization of benefits, emphasizing the principles of equity, justice and mutual trust, as opposed to the current concept of globalization, which seeks to promote global regime of unipolar hegemony and dominance. Following this tradition, the paper discusses the concept of cooperation within the context of democratizing knowledge production and sharing globally. It equally discusses the various dimensions such communal efforts can take, and the possibilities and strategies for broadening the scope of the product of such efforts (i.e. a global community with a dependable system of knowledge sharing), and for strengthening the community’s structure, and building and sustaining its global outlook. The paper, therefore, proposes the levels (which include international, regional and national) at which the cooperative relationships should be developed and sustained, with sustained emphasis on synergy between theory and practice. It suggests the following as the means of achieving the set objectives. (a) Inter-institutional collaborations in research and publications, training, attachment in libraries and information institutions, sabbaticals, short staff and students exchange programmes, etc. (b) Regular interactive forums – conferences, workshops, symposia etc, (c) Sustained online group subscription to ensure that members are constantly kept in touch with one another and regularly informed and updated of current developments.