A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF MASTER'S THESIS IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE IN TURKEY

Abstract

In this study, master's theses written in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Turkish Universities were analyzed. This study aims to identify and discuss the trends of studies dealing with LIS in Turkey. The research was conducted using qualitative research and, the data were collected and analyzed through content analysis. Master’s theses were accessed through the National Theses Database of the Council of Higher Education. The theses were categorized under a total of 6 titles according to their distribution over the years and types, types of investigation, data-collection method, social level, University distributions, and topics. The classification schemes for topics, research methods, data collection methods, and social levels of LIS used in the content analysis were those based on Järvelin and Vakkari's. As a result of the study, it is seen that the year when the highest number of theses were completed is 2019 (18,34%), the theses handled mostly the topic of research on library and information service activities (10,04%). The number of theses written is higher at Hacettepe University (28,38%) than any of the other Universities. It is noteworthy that the university, which stands out in its graduate studies, is a member of iSchool. Keywords: Library and Information Science, Master’s Theses in Turkey, Qualitative Analysis, Content Analysis, Research Trends.