Looking for knowledge management in library and information science research

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 697-716
Author(s):  
Naresh Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Md. Anwarul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Publication Trends ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Other Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the place of knowledge management (KM) in library and information science (LIS) research. The authors looked for KM articles published in top LIS journals since 2000. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed publication trends and the distribution of articles by KM-related terms used, region/country and information-setting type. The authors also identified the top-cited KM articles published in these LIS journals. Findings In total, 672 KM-related articles (only 3.84%) were found within the 17,491 articles published in these LIS journals. Research limitations/implications This low percentage shows that while it might seem like LIS people are advocating for KM in libraries and other information settings, the authors find that despite the synergies, KM is yet to find a broader place within other LIS concerns. Originality/value Research published during the past two decades has frequently discussed how KM is important for libraries and for LIS. However, the authors do not know the extent to which KM forms a part of LIS research.

Publication trends in library and information science

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.P. Singh ◽  
Harish Chander
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Publication Trends ◽  
Citation Pattern ◽  
Authorship Pattern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Management

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to explore the publication trends of the scholarly journal Library Management, and highlight its various important aspects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents results of bibliometric analysis of 336 articles which were published during the period 2006-2012, in the Library Management journal of Emerald. Findings – The results indicate that the majority of the contributions by single authors and most cited documents are journal articles. The study highlights the chronological distribution of articles, authorship pattern, geographical distribution of authors, institutions wise distribution, citation pattern and length of articles. Originality/value – As yet there have been no such studies conducted that investigate the various aspects of Library Management journal. It evaluates the publication trends of the journal and has important implications for scholars and researchers.

A taxonomy of the expected roles of librarians towards knowledge management

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajed Abukhader
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Delphi Process ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Types ◽  
Group Interviewing ◽  
Foundation Stone

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between the various layers of roles and tasks of librarians with the various knowledge types and methods. Although there are multiple benefits anticipated with knowledge management (KM) schemes in libraries, the practical side of it among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals is not yet notable or evident. Design/methodology/approach Taxonomy building and Delphi method were two means of research deployed to achieve the declared purpose. Findings It was possible to achieve several steps into structuring a taxonomy but yet further work has to be accomplished in order to consummate the taxonomy. For this, means of group interviewing method along with perhaps sponsorship of association relevant to librarianship might be an appropriate approach. Research limitations/implications Delphi process was not possible to be fully exercised and completed due to limitations of limited number of participants as well the overwhelming feeling of participants had toward the unfamiliar content. It would have been more rewarding to have physical meeting in groups to overcome such limitations. Originality/value This paper lays the foundation stone of a multi-layer taxonomy for roles of librarians toward KM. The taxonomy also unveils a dimension that librarians often miss when discussing KM. It also models the categories of knowledge types for LIS. Thus, the LIS community is urged to contribute in the development of this taxonomy which could become the handbook of reference in KM for librarianship.

Twinning data science with information science in schools of library and information science

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1243-1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Data Quality Control ◽  
Control Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Control Data

PurposeAs an emerging discipline, data science represents a vital new current of school of library and information science (LIS) education. However, it remains unclear how it relates to information science within LIS schools. The purpose of this paper is to clarify this issue.Design/methodology/approachMission statement and nature of both data science and information science are analyzed by reviewing existing work in the two disciplines and drawing DIKW hierarchy. It looks at the ways in which information science theories bring new insights and shed new light on fundamentals of data science.FindingsData science and information science are twin disciplines by nature. The mission, task and nature of data science are consistent with those of information science. They greatly overlap and share similar concerns. Furthermore, they can complement each other. LIS school should integrate both sciences and develop organizational ambidexterity. Information science can make unique contributions to data science research, including conception of data, data quality control, data librarianship and theory dualism. Document theory, as a promising direction of unified information science, should be introduced to data science to solve the disciplinary divide.Originality/valueThe results of this paper may contribute to the integration of data science and information science within LIS schools and iSchools. It has particular value for LIS school development and reform in the age of big data.

Identifying the prevailing images in library and information science profession: is the landscape changing?

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgenia Vassilakaki ◽  
Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a systematic review on library and information science (LIS) profession’s image and stereotypes from 1999 to 2013. In particular, it aims to identify and analyze the prevailing images of librarians in various contexts and explore possible changes occurring over time. Design/methodology/approach – The method of systematic review is adopted to identify the prevailing images in LIS profession. Specifically, 60 papers were selected and five main themes emerged such as “public’s perceptions”, “librarians’ perceptions”, “students’ perceptions”, “mass media” and “image as an issue” after a thorough analysis of papers’ aim. Findings – It was found that librarians were negatively perceived by both the wider public and the students. In terms of mass media, the image of “the old maid” was dominant, whereas newspapers focused on the male librarian who was perceived as glamorous. Positive stereotypes were also found in children books. On the whole, librarian’s image and relevant stereotypes have not changed considerably over time. Research limitations/implications – This literature review considered only papers published between 2000 and 2013 and only in English mainly due to language restrictions. Originality/value – This review identifies, critically analyzes and discusses the literature on the prevailing images and stereotypes associated with LIS profession in the past 13 years. In addition, it attempts to identify and discuss any changes that occurred in this time frame.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

Journal packing density of library and information science research journals at the global level: a study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Pandita ◽  
Shivendra Singh
Keyword(s):  
Packing Density ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Journal Publishing ◽  
Research Journal ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This study aims to find out the average journal packing density (JPD) of Library and Information Science (LIS) research journals published across the world. The concept, JPD, means the average number of research articles published by a research journal in one volume. Accordingly, the undergoing study evaluates the average number of research articles published in each volume of each research journal published in the field of LIS at the global level. Some other key aspects evaluated include the number of LIS research journal publishing countries, average JPD of LIS research journals at the continental level, etc. Design/methodology/approach This study is purely based on secondary data retrieved from SCImago, which is SCOPUS data. Keeping in view the objectives of this study, the data about research articles published in all LIS research journals during the period 2015 through 2019 were retrieved to undertake the study. Findings From the data analysis, it emerged that 256 research journals duly indexed by SCOPUS are published in the field of LIS across 36 countries. In all 48,596 research articles were published from 2015 to 2019 in these research journals at an average of 44.71 research articles per journal per volume. More than 75% of LIS research journals are published from Germany, Spain, Netherlands, the USA and the UK. Research journals published from the USA have higher JPD of 53.09 research articles per journal per volume, which is 18.74% higher than the average global JPD of LIS research journals. 50% of LIS research journal publishing countries are from Europe and the majority 52.55% LIS research articles were published in European LIS research journals. The average JPD of LIS research journals published from North America is 51.73 research articles per journal per volume, which is the highest across continents. Research limitations/implications Standardization of JPD of research journals irrespective of the subject discipline they are published in is important for many reasons and the foremost being, such standardization helps in keeping at bay the predatory research journals, which normally float such packing density norms, with the sole aim to earn money in the shape of manuscript handling charges, thereby publishing a far greater number of research article in each issue of a journal than the average research articles published by a research journal. Originality/value Very few studies have been conducted around the concept JPD, especially by the authors of this particular study. This study has however been particularized to the LIS subject discipline, while the findings add to existing lot of study already undertaken, hence outcome can be generalized.

Researchers' judgment criteria of high-quality answers on academic social Q&A platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Li ◽  
Chengzhi Zhang ◽  
Daqing He ◽  
Jia Tina Du
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Second Stage

PurposeThrough a two-stage survey, this paper examines how researchers judge the quality of answers on ResearchGate Q&A, an academic social networking site.Design/methodology/approachIn the first-stage survey, 15 researchers from Library and Information Science (LIS) judged the quality of 157 answers to 15 questions and reported the criteria that they had used. The content of their reports was analyzed, and the results were merged with relevant criteria from the literature to form the second-stage survey questionnaire. This questionnaire was then completed by researchers recognized as accomplished at identifying high-quality LIS answers on ResearchGate Q&A.FindingsMost of the identified quality criteria for academic answers—such as relevance, completeness, and verifiability—have previously been found applicable to generic answers. The authors also found other criteria, such as comprehensiveness, the answerer's scholarship, and value-added. Providing opinions was found to be the most important criterion, followed by completeness and value-added.Originality/valueThe findings here show the importance of studying the quality of answers on academic social Q&A platforms and reveal unique considerations for the design of such systems.

On fake news, gatekeepers and LIS professionals: the finger or the moon?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilde Fontanin
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Revolution ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ethical Commitment ◽  
The Two Cultures ◽  
Second World

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the meaning of fake news in the digital age and on the debate on disinformation in scholarly literature, in the light of the ethics of library and information profession. Design/methodology/approach Revision of a keynote address at the BOCATSSS2020 conference, this paper offers an overview of current literature comparing it with a moment in the past that was crucial for information: post-Second World War time, when Wiener (1948) founded cybernetics and C.P. Snow advocated for “The two cultures” (1959). Findings The complex issue demands a multi-disciplinary approach: there is not one solution, and some approaches risk limiting the freedom of expression, yet countering the phenomenon is a moral obligation for library and information science professionals. Originality/value Comparing the present digital revolution with the past, this paper opens questions on the ethical commitment of information professionals.

What is the impact of library and information science on knowledge management research?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Anwarul Islam ◽  
Naresh Kumar Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Authorship Pattern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Codified Knowledge ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Access To Knowledge ◽  
Low Coverage ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the place of library and information Science (LIS) research within leading knowledge management (KM) journals and conferences. Design/methodology/approach Authors examined articles published from 2000-2018 in top-20 KM publications identified by Google Scholar to look for relationship with LIS. Authors analyzed the identified LIS-related articles to determine the publication trends based on LIS terms used, populations, authorship pattern, country, information setting type and top-cited articles. Findings Authors found that the coverage of LIS-related articles within leading KM publications was very low. From the more than 10,000 KM research articles, less than 1 per cent were LIS-related. Research limitations/implications This study would help LIS researchers measure the space they have created for their field within leading KM research. By showing the relatively low coverage of LIS within KM research, the study demonstrates that LIS researchers/practitioners need to do more for LIS to be recognized as an important area within KM. KM publications can also enable greater synergies with LIS for mutual benefit. Originality/value LIS researchers have increasingly called for KM implementation within libraries. The KM field has a long history in library practice in the context of managing and organizing codified knowledge. Both KM and LIS share the common goals of providing access to knowledge for sharing, transfer and use. However, hardly any studies have looked at the amount of synergy or overlap between these two different but related areas, and whether LIS matters to KM, even though LIS practitioners have been highlighting that KM matters to LIS.

scholarly journals Introducing web components into the LIS graduate curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 660-668
Author(s):  
Judith Wusteman
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Graduate Programs ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Web Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Seismic Impact ◽  
The Web

Purpose This paper introduces web components, one of the most exciting and potentially transformative of the technologies that comprise HTML5. Web components provide a standardised method of creating and sharing custom HTML elements. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint. Findings The paper proposes that the web development curriculum in library and information science (LIS) graduate programs needs to expand to cover this important topic. Originality/value Despite the potentially seismic impact of web components on Web development, up until this point, there has not been a discussion of this technology within the LIS literature.

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