Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate librarians' attitude toward knowledge management in the academic environment of Pakistan. Personality characteristics and situational characteristics of behaviour were discussed in the context of a Pakistani university setting. Design/methodology/approach – This is quantitative research with closed-ended questionnaire as the tool for data collection. In data analysis, Pearson correlations of self-esteem, self-efficacy, threat and challenge with factors of knowledge management and Pearson correlations of experience with attitudes toward knowledge management were calculated. In addition, independent samples-t tests for gender and sector were applied. Findings – Significant positive correlations of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and challenges with librarians' attitudes toward knowledge management were calculated. On the other hand, research results proved that attitudes toward knowledge management had no relation with experience of librarians. Similarly, no gender wise and sector wise significant differences were observed in librarians' attitudes toward knowledge management. Research limitations/implications – This research suggests new roles, trends, and vocational settings for library and information science professionals in the field of knowledge management as the topic of future research. Practical implications – This research clarifies the personality characteristics and situational characteristics for knowledge management practices with special reference to librarianship and it contributes to the promotion of knowledge culture in Pakistan. Originality/value – This literary contribution is unique in the sense that it presents knowledge management perspectives in Pakistani librarianship. It is useful for decision makers who are involved in knowledge management attempts. It helps in selection of proper person for the proper task for knowledge management.