Unpacking the research methods used by Indian LIS researchers: A longitudinal study

This chapter reports results from a study into the current state of library and information science (LIS) research in Indonesia and the major actors in the Indonesian LIS research environment. The study used a qualitative case study method. The findings show (1) a low level of LIS research activities by Indonesian academicians, library practitioners and students and (2) an emphasis on applied research into collection processes and developments, user perception and satisfaction with library services, effectiveness of libraries and information centre management and information technology. Further problems for Indonesian LIS research include the poor understanding of the relevance of LIS research, the role of LIS researchers and the conflict of values and beliefs among the actors in the Indonesian LIS environment. However, the prospects for Indonesian LIS research are improving with a growing awareness of the importance of LIS research for Indonesia. LIS research quality in Indonesia is being enhanced through formal education, research competition and journal research reports since the 2000s. Indonesian LIS actors need to learn research methodologies and cooperate with each other more intensively to improve their research skills. Recommendations for improving Indonesian LIS research include, changing the mindset of researchers to create a research climate, building research networks, improving knowledge access, changing regulations (job description, performance evaluation of system, credit points), providing more funding for LIS research and improving LIS curriculums. All Indonesian LIS actors need to communicate with each other to create acceptable values, norms and beliefs to improve Indonesian LIS research.

The employment of the positivist paradigm in Library and Information Science (LIS) research is commonplace, by at least those who have cared to declare their research paradigms, especially at masters and doctoral levels of their studies. Inspired by such widespread use of positivism in LIS, this paper interrogates the applicability and appropriateness of this paradigm as a philosophical bearing for LIS researchers. Although the thrust of the paper is to critique the applicability of positivism to LIS research, it is itself not a lampoon on the scientific nature of LIS, neither is it in the interest of the paper to challenge any researchers who have employed positivism in the conduct of their research in the area of LIS. Instead, it is a critical reflection on some of the glaring challenges of employing positivism in LIS research, and warns against falling into the trap of what the author calls “positivist paradigmatic sophistry.” The paper is not prescriptive or conclusive, but opens new opportunities for critically reflecting on the utility of positivism in LIS research, and a more careful use of this paradigm by LIS scholars and researchers. The discussion unfolds by first putting LIS into perspective by way of briefly tracing the development of the sciences through the lens of Comte. It proceeds by way of explaining the nature of LIS in order to put it into perspective and goes on to unpack the concept of a paradigm before zeroing in on positivism as a paradigm of research. The paper finally presents some challenges that are associated with the application of positivism to LIS research. It argues that positivism is largely incompatible with LIS as a social science and concludes by imploring LIS researchers to engage in a deliberative and progressive discourse on whether positivism is appropriate for LIS research.

This study aimed to analyze the trends in library and information science (LIS) research in Tanzania from 1990 to 2023. A descriptive research design utilizing a content analysis approach was employed to analyze data sourced from Google Scholar during the specified period. The study identified an overall fluctuating trend in LIS research, with a shift in research focus from information-seeking to other areas within the LIS domain. The predominant methodologies observed in most LIS studies were descriptive research design and a mixed methods approach. The study further highlighted a dynamic pattern in research collaboration, albeit with limited international collaboration. Additionally, there was a noticeable underrepresentation of female researchers in the LIS field, as evidenced by the scarcity of publications authored solely by women. The University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and Mzumbe University emerged as the top three institutions contributing to LIS research. While most LIS researchers published their work in the University of Dar es Salaam Library journal, there was a growing tendency to also publish in other similar international journals. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on LIS research trends, emphasizing the evolving nature of LIS research in Tanzania. It also underscores the importance of Tanzanian LIS researchers to actively seek international collaborations to enhance the impact of their research and further advance the field on a global scale.

This chapter provides a concise overview dealing with the theory and practice in Library and Information Science (LIS) research development in Asia-Oceania. It also provides the reader with an introduction to the sections and the individual chapters of the book. The field of LIS has experienced significant growth, both in the number of LIS schools and research outputs, in recent years in the region. As a professional field, both theory and practice are viewed as equally important for the development of the LIS discipline. In this book, both theoretical as well as practical work in LIS research in Asia-Oceania region is presented.

This chapter provides a concise overview dealing with the theory and practice in Library and Information Science (LIS) research development in Asia-Oceania. It also provides the reader with an introduction to the sections and the individual chapters of the book. The field of LIS has experienced significant growth, both in the number of LIS schools and research outputs, in recent years in the region. As a professional field, both theory and practice are viewed as equally important for the development of the LIS discipline. In this book, both theoretical as well as practical work in LIS research in Asia-Oceania region is presented.


 Objective - To review mixed methods research trends in the field of library and information science (LIS). In particular, we examine the extent to which research about or using mixed methods has been occurring in library and information science over the past decade (2008-2018), and how much of that mixed methods research is done in health contexts.
 Methods - We conducted a methodological review and analysis of mixed methods research (MMR) in LIS for published articles indexed in LISTA and Web of Science. After deduplication and verification for inclusion, we coded 417 articles to identify contributions using or about MMR. Given the connections between evidence based practice in health and LIS, we also identified whether articles about or using mixed methods were health-focused.
 Results - We found MMR to be a tiny proportion (less than 0.5%) of the overall LIS research literature. In terms of observable trends, while contributions about MMR remain fairly static, there has been an increase in articles using mixed methods. Of the 417 included articles, 373 (89.5%) primarily used mixed methods and 44 (10.5%) were primarily about MMR. Results also demonstrated that health-related research both using and about mixed methods has a strong presence in the LIS literature, with 136 published articles (32.6% of the total).
 Conclusion - Confirming findings of prior analyses of research methods in LIS, our methodological review shows current opportunities to adopt and expand the use of mixed methods research processes. Further contributions about mixed methods research, and ideally connecting research and practice in LIS, are needed. Despite the small proportion of MMR in LIS research, there is an observable increase in the number of publications using mixed methods during this timeframe. The LIS research community can promote additional growth by leveraging this momentum around using mixed methods, and look to translate lessons learned about mixed methods research and practice in health contexts to other LIS settings. Recommendations include developing educational opportunities and learning resources that facilitate wider engagement with MMR in LIS contexts.

PurposeThis paper analyses the research in Library and Information Science (LIS) and reports on (1) the status of LIS research in 2015 and (2) on the evolution of LIS research longitudinally from 1965 to 2015.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a quantitative intellectual content analysis of articles published in 30+ scholarly LIS journals, following the design by Tuomaala et al. (2014). In the content analysis, we classify articles along eight dimensions covering topical content and methodology.FindingsThe topical findings indicate that the earlier strong LIS emphasis on L&I services has declined notably, while scientific and professional communication has become the most popular topic. Information storage and retrieval has given up its earlier strong position towards the end of the years analyzed. Individuals are increasingly the units of observation. End-user's and developer's viewpoints have strengthened at the cost of intermediaries' viewpoint. LIS research is methodologically increasingly scattered since survey, scientometric methods, experiment, case studies and qualitative studies have all gained in popularity. Consequently, LIS may have become more versatile in the analysis of its research objects during the years analyzed.Originality/valueAmong quantitative intellectual content analyses of LIS research, the study is unique in its scope: length of analysis period (50 years), width (8 dimensions covering topical content and methodology) and depth (the annual batch of 30+ scholarly journals).

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of and interest in the techniques used in computer-based corpus linguistics, focusing on their methodological implications for research in library and information science (LIS).Design/methodology/approachThis methodology paper provides an overview of computer-based corpus linguistics, describes the main techniques used in this field, assesses its strengths and weaknesses, and presents examples to illustrate the value of corpus linguistics to LIS research.FindingsOverall, corpus-based techniques are simple, yet powerful, and they support both quantitative and qualitative analyses. While corpus methods alone may not be sufficient for research in LIS, they can be used to complement and to help triangulate the findings of other methods. Corpus linguistics techniques also have the potential to be exploited more fully in LIS research that involves a higher degree of automation (e.g. recommender systems, knowledge discovery systems, and text mining).Practical implicationsNumerous LIS researchers have drawn attention to the lack of diversity in research methods used in this field, and suggested that approaches permitting mixed methods research are needed. If LIS researchers learn about the potential of computer-based corpus methods, they can diversify their approaches.Originality/valueOver the past quarter century, corpus linguistics has established itself as one of the main methods used in the field of linguistics, but its potential has not yet been realized by researchers in LIS. Corpus linguistics tools are readily available and relatively straightforward to apply. By raising awareness about corpus linguistics, the author hopes to make these techniques available as additional tools in the LIS researcher’s methodological toolbox, thus broadening the range of methods applied in this field.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report results of a study which investigated the growth of open access (OA) journals across the world with reference to the Asian region. Details of 117 OA journals were collected from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) to determine the geographic distribution, language of publication and growth of periodical year-wise. The study makes detail analysis of four OA periodical published from India, Iran, Pakistan and Taiwan. Pattern of authorship and contribution according to nature of professional work were analyzed. The study reveals that most contributions were made by teaching professionals in comparison to working library and information officers. Single-authored contributions dominated (44 per cent) in all periodicals of the Asian region, indicating low amount of teamwork/collaborative contributions to library and information science (LIS) research by the authors of this region. To know the subject distribution of articles, the study was limited to 27 ...

Using a content analysis approach, this study assessed the application of theories in Library and Information Science (LIS) research in Tanzania. The study’s specific objectives encompassed the analysis of the utilization patterns of theories in LIS research conducted in Tanzania, the identification of predominant theories, the highlighting of specific areas within LIS research where theories have been extensively applied, and the assessment of the level of integration of theories into research. While Kalervo and Vakkari’s classification scheme of LIS research areas was used to identify specific research areas where theories have been applied most, seven categories of theory talk were utilized to evaluate the degree to which these theories have been incorporated into LIS research. The study’s findings reveal a growing inclination towards the use of theories among LIS researchers, albeit at a slow pace. The study has also shown that TAM and UTAUT theories are the most frequently utilized, with information-seeking research being the primary area incorporating theories among all identified research areas. The findings also suggest that while a significant portion of the analyzed articles fall under the major category of the Continuum of Theory Talk, implying substantial incorporation of theories, a small number of them encountered difficulties in effectively integrating theories. The study, therefore, suggests that LIS educators should also prioritize the theoretical aspect of research in their curriculum. This will help researchers improve their understanding of the subject matter, leading to more reliable and precise research.

Introduction: This study uses bibliometric methods to evaluate research articles within the library and information science (LIS) domain. The focus is to uncover trends and patterns in social network analysis related to LIS, particularly examining research collaborations and content within highly cited articles. By analyzing these aspects, the study seeks to identify influential authors, prominent research themes, and key contributors in the LIS field. Methods: A dataset of 14,517 articles published between 1954 and 2023 was extracted from the Scopus database for bibliometric analysis. The study concentrated on publications in the LIS domain, focusing on the journal Library Philosophy and Practice. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to identify clusters within the research field, while content analysis was performed to determine prevalent topics and disciplinary influences within the articles. Results: The analysis revealed that China is home to many of the most influential authors in the LIS domain, with the United States, China, and the United Kingdom identified as the top contributing countries to LIS research. Common research themes include information science, bibliometrics, academic libraries, information literacy, and LIS education. Two main clusters emerged from the MCA: one focused on information-related concepts and the other on bibliometrics and scholarly communication. Content analysis indicated a significant presence of topics from physics, computer science, and information technology within LIS research. Conclusions: This study highlights key trends and patterns in LIS research, with academic libraries, information literacy, LIS education, and librarians' roles identified as critical areas for future exploration. Expanding databases and refining keyword searches are recommended to enhance knowledge dissemination and educational adaptability in the LIS field. The findings aim to support LIS researchers, facilitate research planning, and promote global interinstitutional cooperation

Introduction:Pleasurable Pursuits: Leisure and LIS Research Crystal Fulton (bio) and Ruth Vondracek (bio) Introduction Leisure continues to grow in importance in today's society, as a construct of non-work time and the activities that attend our leisure. While researchers have explored the work context and everyday life contexts, the area of leisure in our information worlds has only recently attracted interest in library and information science (LIS). The impact of leisure on our everyday lives, including our information behavior, negotiation of technology in pursuit of leisure activities, and social outcomes of our interactions through leisure, bears greater attention. This special issue uniquely brings together LIS researchers and research about leisure in a single venue to explore the different aspects of leisure, emerging frameworks and theoretical foundations, and implications for individuals, groups, and, importantly, the role of libraries and LIS generally in the evolving landscape of leisure in our lives. Perspectives on Leisure Leisure is increasingly attracting attention in library and information science, with researchers around the world focusing on a variety of aspects of this topic. Leisure has been the subject of research interest in other fields for some time now, and Leisure Studies has prospered as a field in its own right. Researchers generally turn to the definitions and categories of leisure developed by sociologist Stebbins (2005, 2006b). Beginning his work in the 1970s, he began by classifying leisure as "serious" and "casual." According to Stebbins (1992, 1993), serious leisure may be defined as: The systematic pursuit of an amateur, hobbyist, or volunteer activity sufficiently substantial and interesting for the participant to find a [End Page 611] career there in the acquisition and expression of a combination of its special skills, knowledge, and experience. In contrast, Stebbins (2006b) defines casual leisure as follows: Casual leisure is immediately intrinsically rewarding, relatively short-lived pleasurable activity requiring little or no special training to enjoy it. It is fundamentally hedonic, engaged in for the significant level of pure enjoyment, or pleasure, found there. Recently, Stebbins (2005, 2006b) added project-based leisure to his concepts of leisure: Project-based leisure is a short-term, moderately complicated, either one-shot or occasional, though infrequent, creative undertaking carried out in free time (Stebbins, 2005). Such leisure involves considerable planning, effort, and sometimes skill or knowledge, but for all that is not of the serious variety nor intended to develop into such. Nor is it casual leisure. The adjective "occasional" describes widely spaced undertakings for such regular occasions as arts festivals, sports events, religious holidays, individual birthdays, or national holidays while "creative" stresses that the undertaking results in something new or different, showing imagination, skill, or knowledge. In his Serious Leisure Perspective, Stebbins (2006b) combines all his concepts of leisure in a theoretical framework, designed to show the relationship of each concept with the others. Studying leisure continues to hold interdisciplinary and international appeal, with a number of organizations, associations, and groups dedicated to the topic. For example, World Leisure (www.worldleisure.org) was founded in 1952 to explore leisure opportunities around the world. A variety of international journals that target leisure studies, including the Journal of Leisure Research, Leisure Studies, Leisure Sciences, etc., have also risen in other fields. It should be noted, however, that no LIS journal focuses on leisure. Dedicating an issue of a journal to this topic offers an innovative approach to exploring LIS research, including both theoretical and empirical work, and connections with the field of leisure internationally. Leisure and LIS Leisure is far from a new concept in LIS. However, the means of addressing leisure, for example, the provision of popular fiction for readers in public libraries, has been a contentious issue. A variety of factors, including the rise of free time among baby boomers now retired or retiring, increased opportunities for budget travel with cheap fare airlines, and rediscovery of leisure through the lens of other subject fields, have encouraged LIS researchers to explore this aspect of everyday information and social behaviors. Early research about leisure in LIS dates back to the 1980s, often focusing on particular aspects of leisure as time or activities offering rich [End Page 612] information contexts. Chatman's (e.g., 1983, 1985...

Objective. The objective of this study was to examine the influence and collaboration patterns within library and information science (LIS) research, with a particular focus on the contributions of universities over time. Design/Methodology/Approach. This study used bibliometrics and LIS network analysis to examine 14,517 articles indexed in Scopus from 1954 to 2023. The Bibliometrix R-package was used to identify publication trends, influential institutions, authors, and collaboration networks in the LIS field. Findings. The key findings indicated that Wuhan University was the foremost institution in LIS research, with notable contributions from Chinese scholars who were identified as the most influential authors in the field. The keywords “information science” and “information retrieval” emerged as common thematic areas, reflecting core research interests. The content analysis also revealed that LIS research had robust connections with fields such as physics, computer science, and information technology, underscoring an interdisciplinary trend. Originality/Value. This study offered original insights into the evolving landscape of LIS research, identifying both leadership in academic output and potential gaps in current research coverage. It underscored the necessity for future research to expand the scope of its database and refine keyword selection for more comprehensive representation. The findings contributed to the strategic development of LIS research and the fostering of international collaboration.

PurposeThis study aims to find out the India’s research contribution to world Library and Information Science (LIS) literature from 2011 to 2020. Attempt has been made to reflect both the number of research articles published by the Indian LIS researchers during the past decade and the percentage share of Indian LIS researchers to the world LIS literature. Attempt has also been made to reflect the 20 leading LIS researchers from India, 20 leading LIS journals in which Indian LIS researchers mostly prefer to publish their research results and leading LIS research institutions and more.Design/methodology/approachThe scope of the study is limited to library and information research undertaken across the world in general and India in particular during the past decade, viz., 2011–20. To undertake the present study, data were retrieved from SCOPUS data source. The data were retrieved keeping in view the objectives of the study; accordingly, key words were framed and used to search the relevant data.FindingsOverall 77,659 research articles were published in the subject discipline of LIS across the world during the past decade, viz., 2011 through 2020. During the period of study, LIS researchers from India contributed 3,562 research articles constituting 4.59% of the total global LIS research output. The USA emerged the leading LIS research country with 33.03% research contribution, while India emerged as the fifth largest LIS research country in the world. A total of 12.85% research articles from India were contributed by 20 leading researchers. Only two LIS research journals from India were found indexed in the SCOPUS, in which 18.10% research articles were published by Indian LIS researchers during the period of study. More than 80% research results produced by Indian LIS researchers were published in foreign LIS research journals, mostly published from the USA and the UK. A good lot of Indian LIS researchers prefer to publish their research results in open access research journals. Library professionals, teachers and scholars from University of Delhi and University of Kashmir were found more active in LIS research in India.Research limitations/implicationsIndia is one of the world’s popular LIS academic, research and practicing country and has more responsibility toward world LIS research, whereby India, apart from fulfilling its own LIS research requirements, has to meet out the global LIS research demand. Thereon, if it lacks on research front, which otherwise acts as a backbone in the survival of a subject discipline, the survival of subject discipline may become difficult.Social implicationsIndia is one of the most progressive LIS research countries in the world and is about to play a far greater role in propagating newer and modern library practices and services in the years to come.Originality/valueQuantification of research output at regional level or country level is very common among LIS professionals; accordingly, the existing study adds to existing world LIS literature about the India’s contribution to world LIS research during the past decade.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of a collaboratory as a virtual learning community and discuss its significance to support collaboration between library and information science (LIS) researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThe LIS literature describes various forms of inter‐institutional collaboration involving librarians and information professionals, but there is an apparent lack of documented cases of collaboratories involving LIS practitioners and researchers. The paper draws from the literature about collaboratories in the fields of social informatics and information systems and describes the notion of collaboratory, its characteristics and main functions.FindingsIt is argued that a LIS collaboratory in the form of a virtual learning community has the potential to provide researchers and practitioners the opportunity to bring in and integrate their respective knowledge, expertise and connections, as well as expand participation of practitioners in research projects. Another claim is that this virtual learning community may fill a critical niche for small institutions as LIS schools and practitioners, and give them the opportunity to choose and work together on relevant research projects. While the prospect of LIS collaboratory looks promising, the challenges to building one need not be overlooked, in particular working at distance and crossing institutional boundaries. More research is needed on the socio‐organizational issues that can influence collaboration between LIS researchers and practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsThe discussion is based on the author's review of the literature and observations.Originality/valueThe notion of collaboratory is still new to the LIS field. This paper offers the opportunity to trigger a new discussion on collaboration between researchers and practitioners and the potential of collaboratories to support new forms of collaboration.