An analysis of research strategies of articles published in Library Science journals: the example of Library and Information Science Research

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the general trends of LIS research, using as source material the articles published in Library and Information Science Research in a five-year period (2005-2010). Library & Information Science Research was chosen because is a cross-disciplinary and refereed journal, which focuses on the research process in library and information science, covers a wide range of topics
within the field, reports research findings and provides work of interest to both academics and practitioners. The authors review the findings from an examination of research articles published in the journal, giving emphasis on articles that used quantitative and/or qualitative research methods as an integral part of the author’s work. The paper examines the major topics and problems addressed by LIS researchers, the research approaches and the types of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in articles published during this period, in an effort to understand the characteristics of LIS research activities and to get an insight into the research perspectives of the field.