Library Science Research Research Articles

From Quantum Leaps to Stumbles

Understanding the journey of researchers in LIS, with a focus on both quantum leaps and stumbles, is crucial for a well-rounded appreciation of academic development. This study there examined the quantum leaps to stumbles by unveiling the journey of academic inquiry of library and information science researchers in Africa. A qualitative method was used with data collected from 20 LIS researchers from Africa through an open ended survey. The results reveal that beyond the realm of traditional success tales, the research sheds light on the varied experiences of LIS researchers in Africa. The study promotes inclusivity and enhances the global conversation on LIS research by recognizing the successes and failures of academic inquiry in the African setting.

Emerging Themes, Leaders, and Collaboration in Library and Information Science 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

Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science in India, 1950-2023

Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science in India, 1950-2023

Data-driven evolution of library and information science research methods (1990–2022): a perspective based on fine-grained method entities

Data-driven evolution of library and information science research methods (1990–2022): a perspective based on fine-grained method entities

Exploring the Library and Information Science Research Landscape in Namibia: A Decennial Reflection (2014–2023)

Namibia’s Library and Information Science (LIS) field has transformed significantly over the past decade, reflecting global trends and local challenges. However, research on trends and patterns in Namibia’s LIS remains limited. This study examined research trends and patterns in dissertations submitted to the School of Humanities, Society, and Development under Library and Information Science, Archives, and Record Management. It targeted 17 dissertations from 2014 to 2023, archived in the Institutional Repository, Ga-aisib 1 , meaning “wisdom” at the University of Namibia. Data were categorized by degree, year of completion, research methodology, and keywords. Using a mixed-method approach and statistical analysis software, the study identified trends and patterns by calculating frequencies, means, and correlations. Qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. This census study included all dissertations meeting the inclusion criteria, revealing students’ preference for qualitative research methods over quantitative approaches. Additionally, the outcomes indicated a gradual increase in research within Namibia’s Library and Information Science domain over the last five years, particularly in bibliometrics and user information-seeking behavior. Conversely, information confidentiality, intellectual property and rights, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems have received limited attention. This study provides distinctive insights as a primary overview of Namibia’s Library and Information Science research tendencies, offering directions for future investigations to identify research gaps and methodologies. This study’s significance includes identifying emerging areas, informing policy, facilitating collaborations, raising researcher awareness of evolving topics, and guiding future research directions in librarianship.

Influence and collaboration in library and information science research: A university perspective

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.

Library instruction and information literacy 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy (IL). It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications organized thematically and detailing study populations, results and research contexts. The selected bibliography is useful to efficiently keep up with trends in library instruction for academic library practitioners, library science students and researchers wishing to learn about IL in other contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper annotates 374 English-language periodical articles, dissertations, theses and reports on library instruction and IL published in 2023. The sources were selected from the EBSCO platform for Library, Information Science and Technology s (LISTA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elsevier SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Sources selected were published in 2023 and included the terms “information literacy,” “library instruction” or “information fluency” in the title, subject terms or author-supplied keywords. The sources were organized in Zotero. Annotations were made summarizing the source, focusing on the findings or implications. Each source was then thematically categorized and organized for academic librarians to be able to skim and use the annotated bibliography adeptly.FindingsThe paper provides a brief description of 374 sources from 159 unique publications and highlights publications that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Further analysis of the sources and authorship are provided such as country affiliation and institutional Carnegie classification.Originality/valueThe information is primarily of use to academic librarians, researchers and anyone interested as a convenient and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and IL published within 2023.

Investigating Mobility, Place, and Information Access Through an Ethnographic Study of Vehicle Residents’ Information Practices in the United States

Throughout the United States, an approximated one million people currently inhabit vehicles parked in publicly accessible areas as their primary method of housing. This dissertation explores vehicle residents’ information seeking practices and barriers to information access. Library and Information science (LIS) research has not developed theory related to place, mobility, and information access, despite living in a hyper-mobile world. LIS primarily centers online information behaviors, limiting potential impact on larger populations that face unique barriers to information access. While some studies constructed theory to address the function of place in information behavior, few interrogate how place and mobility impact information access despite geographic mobility serving important functions in various theory constructions. To address the importance of place and mobility in the context of information access, I conducted a multi-method, ethnographic study. Completing two rounds of deeply embedded fieldwork from June-October 2023 in Santa Cruz, California (CA) and from January-February 2024 along the Southern CA and Arizona (AZ) border, I used participant observation, information horizon interviews, and guided tours and photographs of participant’s vehicles to explore vehicle residents’ information practices and information source preferences. I determined my key findings in Spring 2024; they reveal that participants experience micro-fractures in their information landscapes when moving through new information environments. Identifying vehicle residents’ information practices and most used information sources can help public libraries and other information institutions implement improved support services for this growing population as public libraries are well positioned to bolster information access on behalf of its communities.

AI Tools in LIS Research: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges for Scholarly Advancement

ABSTRACT This study examines the integration of AI tools in Library and Information Science (LIS) research to understand their implications on academic practices. Using a careful survey-based methodology, the study explores the advantages of AI tools, related challenges, and potential behavioural impacts, mainly focusing on whether they unintentionally promote satisfaction among researchers. Findings reveal an ideal position for AI tool utilisation, highlighting varied degrees of usage and perceived benefits like increased efficiency and expanded research scope. However, challenges encompass ethical concerns, integration complexities, and diverging opinions regarding the tools’ potential impact on researcher diligence. This study contributes significantly by addressing the less-explored behavioural implications of AI tool integration in research, offering refined insights into their multifaceted impact on academic practices. It underscores the need for a balanced and informed approach to AI integration, considering their transformative potential and ethical considerations in scholarly pursuits.

A review of the literature on spirituality and religion in information research – 1990 to 2022

PurposeMore than eight in ten people worldwide identify with a religious group. In addition, people often engage with spiritual and religious content despite having no formal beliefs or affiliations. Spirituality remains a prominent feature of Western and Westernised information-based societies and cultures; however, people’s everyday interactions with spiritual and religious information have received disproportionate attention in information and library science research. Accordingly, this paper aims to understand how scholars have explored religion and spirituality in information research and identify current and emerging trends in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses 115 peer-reviewed articles, 44 book chapters, 24 theses and 17 unrefereed papers published between 1990 and 2022 to present a narrative review of how scholars have explored spirituality and religion in information research. The reviewed literature is first organised into spirituality-related and religion-related articles and thereafter analysed in Internet studies, information behaviour studies and galleries, libraries, archives and museums-related research groups.FindingsOur analysis indicates scholars in Internet studies have researched both established and alternative religious interactions, and emerging research agendas seek to explore intersections between traditional religious authority and modern Internet-facilitated engagements. Information behaviour scholars have examined interactions in Christianity and Islam, focused primarily on Western contexts and conventional interactions, with emerging research aiming to explore diverse contextual and methodological combinations. Finally, GLAM researchers have investigated the practicality, suitability, and appropriateness of spirituality and religion-related service provisions; however, a clear research agenda is currently lacking in spirituality and religion information research more broadly.Originality/valueThis paper is the first review of the spirituality and religion-related information research spanning Internet studies, information behaviour studies and galleries, libraries, archives and museums research domains.

The Impact of DEI Work on Retention of Librarians: A Moderated Mediation SEM Model

ABSTRACTThis study explores the effects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work on retention and job satisfaction of librarians. Using existing data from the Workforce Issues in Library and Information Science 2 project, a moderated mediation Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that being prepared to advocate for or serve diverse populations did not directly affect librarian retention, nor did collaborating with the community or promoting outreach and engagement with the community. However, this preparation and these job activities did affect librarians' job satisfaction, which ultimately affected their decision to stay in the profession. In addition, preparation for DEI work and opportunities to work with the community are just as important for White librarians as for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) librarians. These findings have implications for library and information science education, practice, and research.

Research methods and the use of visual representation in library and information science research

AbstractThe increasing variety of research strategies and data collection techniques in information science, the access to large secondary data sets, and the ubiquity of information visualization call for expanding the classification of research methods and exploring how research is communicated visually. This study examined the relationship between types of data used in empirical research, visualizations, and research methods applied in information science studies. It analyzed 751 research articles published in the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) using content analysis and machine learning techniques. The study finds that most empirical studies adopted a quantitative design with data mining, bibliometrics, experiments, and surveys as dominant strategies. The substantial use of secondary data points to the shift in how data are collected in empirical research. The JASIST articles used a variety of visualizations to present research designs and findings, with quantitative and mixed methods studies employing primarily tables and charts and qualitative studies relying more on tables and diagrams. This study uniquely explores the relationship between research methods and visualization. It contributes to the classification of the methods in information science by expanding the range of strategies within the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs.

Mapping Doctoral Research in Library and Information Science in India, 1950-2023. 2V. Vol. 1: Inventory of Doctoral Dissertations. Vol. 2: Appendices and Indices to Inventory of Doctoral Dissertations. Singh, Shashi Prabha and Babbar, Parveen. Synergy Books India: New Delhi, 2024

No Abstract.

Research trends in library and information science research in Tanzania, 1990–2023

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.

Candidate Minimum on Scientific Specialty 5.10.4 “Library Science, Bibliography and Book Science”: Issues of Theoretical Design and Practical Implementation

The paper is devoted to the problems of improving the system of training and expertise of scientific personnel in the field of library and information sciences. The relevance is due to the decrease in the quality of dissertation research in library science, bibliography and book studies due to the insufficient readiness of young scientific personnel for research activities. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the competence–based approach as the methodological basis for the theoretical design of candidate exam programs and to offer practical tools appropriate for assessing the level of readiness of applicants for the degree of Candidate of Sciences for scientific work in the specialty 5.10.4 – Library Science, bibliography and book studies. The definition of the candidate’s exam in line with the competence approach is given, a system of competence guidelines in the training of graduate students on the specialty 5.10.4 is formed. The control and measuring materials of the candidate’s examination in the specialty 5.10.4, developed and implemented at the Moscow State Institute of Culture, are presented. They are ready for implementation into educational and expert practices of other universities and scientific organizations.

Application of theories in Library and Information Science research in Tanzania: A content analysis

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.

From Data to Insights: Navigating the World of Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Library and Information Science Research

From Data to Insights: Navigating the World of Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Library and Information Science Research

APRD: action partnership research design: reimagining the role of the user in library and information science research

PurposeResponding to the continuing separation of participants and researchers in LIS participatory research, a new methodology is proposed: action partnership research design (APRD). It is asserted that APRD can mitigate or remove the hierarchical structures often inherent in the research process, thus allowing for equal contribution from all.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the bonded design (BD) methodology and informed by a scoping literature review conducted by the same authors, APRD is a human-centered research approach with the goal of empowering and valuing community partnerships. APRD originates from research investigating the use of participatory design methods to foster collaboration between two potentially disparate groups, firstly with adult researchers/designers and elementary school children, and secondly with university faculty and IT professionals.FindingsTo achieve this goal, in addition to BD techniques, APRD draws inspiration from elements of indigenous and decolonization research methodologies, particularly those with an emphasis on destabilizing power hierarchies and involving research participants as full partners.Originality/value APRD, which emerged from findings from previous participatory design studies, especially those of BD, is based on the premise of partnership, recognizing that each member of a design team, whether researcher or participant/user, has unique expertise to contribute. By considering participants/users as full research partners, APRD aims to flatten the hierarchies exhibited in some LIS participatory research methodologies, where participants are treated more like research subjects than partners.

Exploring the research domains, gender gap and labour market perspectives of doctoral research in library and information science in India

The present study aims to analyse the research domains, gender gap, and labour market perspectives of doctoral research in LIS in India. Sodhganga, a digital repository of Indian thesis and dissertations, was used for extracting doctoral thesis information and Jarvelin & Vakkari classification system was used for categorising the doctoral research topics. A total of 808 doctoral dissertations awarded between 2016 and 2020 were analysed using IBM SPSS and Tableau. The study's findings revealed that the growth of doctoral research in LIS is on rising trends with 150 PhD awarded in LIS every year. Information seeking (33.8%), library and information service activities (30.7%), and scientific & professional communication (16.5%) were found to be the preferred research themes among doctoral students during the study period. Furthermore, it is revealed that there is a gender gap in the number of PhDs conferred, with more men than women receiving these degrees. LIS professionals with a doctorate have the highest employment rate, at 96.2%, and most are in government jobs. Besides, only 40 percent of doctoral candidates reported receiving an incentive after the doctoral degree.

Implications of Publication Requirements for the Research Output of Arab Academics of Library and Information Science in Scopus in 2011– 2022 (Bibliometric Study)

The Arab can be considered as a new emergent region in the world by using advanced bibliometric methods, the development of science and technology in Unsure is explored. Purpose: This article explores the implications of publication requirements for the research output of Arab academics of library and information science in Scopus, and reviews (12) years of Library and information science research in the Arab World affiliated with the (22) countries of the Arab League: a bibliometric study 2011–2022. As such it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on quantitative and qualitative effects of research evaluation policies. Design/methodology/approach: Three metrics were chosen to analyses the implications of publication requirements for the quality of research output: publications in predatory journals, publications in local journals and publications per SNIP quartile from the disciplinary perspective. Findings: Study results highlight, that: Firstly: publications of Arab academics of library and information science in predatory journals rose to (12.162 % in 2011-2013) – (39.190 in 2020-2022). Secondly: the share of publications in local journals reached the Peak of fourth period 44.595% in 2020-2022. Thirdly: though the total number of publications has risen dramatically since 2011, but the share of Q3+Q4 has exceeded the share of Q1+Q2. Summaries: the study findings highlight, that research evaluation policies are required to contain not only quantitative but also qualitative criteria. Research limitation: The study does not explore in detail the effects of a particular type of publication requirements. Practical implications: The findings of the study have practical implications for policymakers and university managers aimed to develop research evaluation policies. Originality/value: This paper gains insights into the effects of publication requirements on the research output of Arab academics of library and information science in Scopus & local journals.