Between Choice and Compulsion: The Dynamics of Bibliographic Reference Styles Preferred by Library and Information Science Professionals

Abstract

The substantial surge in the publication of journal articles across diverse academic disciplines on open and online platforms globally has given rise to the challenge of effectively managing bibliographic references. Accordingly, the study will focus on reference styles in library and information science, particularly concerning their awareness, availability of online citation tools, standardization, and comprehensive overview of all commonly preferred styles among LIS professionals. The study explored the reference styles adopted by publishers publishing LIS journals indexed in prominent global databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, LISA (Proquest), LISTA, and UGC-CARE (India). The top ten LIS journals indexed in SCOPUS and their reference styles were identified. The preferences of reference styles including Indian Bibliographic Standard, preferred publishers, and the rationale behind their choices were found through a global survey conducted among LIS professionals. The result shows, among LIS professionals, APA style, followed by MLA style and Harvard style, were the most preferred reference styles. Elsevier, followed by Springer, Taylor & Francis, Emerald, and other were among the most preferred publishers. The Indian Bibliographic Standard is used less due to a lack of awareness and adaptability by journals and their publishers and the non-availability of automatic citation tools. This paper provides information to LIS professionals about reference styles used by leading LIS journals indexed in global databases published by different publishers to inform, promote, make early decisions, and enhance knowledge in preparing references or bibliographies for writing research papers or theses ahead of time.