Estimation of the knowledge management model for performance measurement in university libraries Muhammad Rafi and Zheng Jian Ming School of Information Management, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, and Khurshid Ahmad Department of Library and Information Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan, Bahawalpur, Pakistan Abstract Purpose – The study aims to expand the literature on evaluating the performance of professionals and academic libraries, rationalizing management and providing reliable services to the academic community. The performance assessment model covers the four components (management competence, professional experience, financial add/projects and library services) in the context of the knowledge management model. Design/methodology/approach – Based on quantitative data, the study defines a set of assumptions for testing the four components of performance evaluation within a knowledge management framework to develop appropriate and robust models for improving employee performance and library services. The structural equation model has been applied to sample data from 339 administrative librarians at 190 universities in Pakistan. Findings – Statistical evidence confirms that the applicability of the proposed performance-based model enhances management competence, makes accurate decisions, develops professional skills and strengthens human resource organization and knowledge management techniques in developing the efficiency of academic libraries. Practical implications – In the long term, academic leaders and policymakers value investment in the professional development of top library management as they participate in the decision-making process. Organizing training for service employees, supporting innovative research projects and providing library technology infrastructures ultimately improve academic performance and research when integrated into the knowledge management model. Originality/value – So far, comprehensive literature on performance and knowledge management has been published separately. However, based on the key data collected by senior library administrators using the structured research questionnaire, the comprehensive performance evaluation research based on a knowledge management model is innovative to improve academic library services and close the literature gap. Keywords Performance, System evaluation, Service model, Project estimation, Model assessment Paper type Research paper Introduction To improve the performance of existing academic libraries, competent management, technological plans and applications, skills workforce, joint projects and effective services are crucial. Human resources organizations, technical capabilities, competent managers and employees ensure efficiency and effectiveness (Tambo and Filtenborg, 2019). Besides, competence means the management and technical capabilities needed to understand the Knowledge management model This study was part of a dissertation that was conducted at the Nanjing University School of Information Management without any financial support. The author especially grateful to Academic Supervisor Professor Zheng Jiang Ming for his endless support and guidance throughout the research process. The author also expresses his deep gratitude to the Faculty of Information Management for valuable suggestions and availability when writing this innovative research. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/0737-8831.htm Received 4 November 2019 Revised 20 May 2020 Accepted 25 June 2020 Library Hi Tech © Emerald Publishing Limited 0737-8831 DOI 10.1108/LHT-11-2019-0225