Evolution of Academic Production in Information Science: Theses and Dissertations in Portugal (2014-2024)

Authors

Keywords:

Information Science, Research Trends, Academic Training, Theses and Dissertations, Academic Training, Portugal

Abstract

Academic training in information science is guided by international guidelines that establish essential structuring axes for preparing future information professionals. These axes include: Information in Society; Foundations of the LIS Profession; Information and Communication Technologies; Research and Innovation; Information Resources Management; Management for Information Professionals; Information Needs and User Services; Literacies and Learning. However, technological advances and changes in information practices have led to the emergence of new research topics, such as Communicating Value, Data Curation, Digital Preservation, Ubiquity of Information Technologies and Associated Ethical Problems, Mobile Devices and Environments, Acquisition and Use of E-books, Communication and Publication of Information, User Behaviours and Expectations, and Information Professionals. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate whether the theses and dissertations developed by higher education students in Information Science in Portugal align with the traditional axes of training in the area or reflect a growing tendency to explore emerging themes. To this end, an exploratory analysis was conducted of the academic works available in the RENATES (National Registry of Dissertations and Theses), considering master's dissertations and doctoral theses in Library and Information Science. The study followed a quantitative and qualitative methodology, starting with the creation of a corpus of analysis based on criteria such as keywords, abstracts, and thematic classification. The academic papers were categorized according to their adherence to traditional or emerging themes, allowing a comparison between the two approaches. By analysing the results, this study contributes to a reflection on the adequacy of academic curricula to the emerging demands of the market and society. The research highlights the need for a balance between traditional training and the incorporation of new themes, ensuring that information professionals are well-prepared for contemporary challenges. The discussion also highlights the importance of internationalizing research and exchanging experiences between institutions in different contexts, promoting a broad and up-to-date vision of Information Science. 

Author Biographies

  • Tatiana Sanches, Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto de Educação, UIDEF

    Invited Assistant Professor at UAberta, invited Adjunct Professor in IPL, librarian, and researcher at Instituto de Educação, ULisboa. Graduated in Literature, post-graduated in Documentary Sciences, Master's in Education and Reading, Doctor in Education, and Post-Doctor in Information Science. Currently, she is the Head of the Documentation Division at the Faculty of Psychology and the Education Institute of the University of Lisbon. She is also dedicated to training and research (UIDEF, IE-ULisboa; ISPA, APPsy), authoring several publications at national and international levels. Member of the Higher Education Libraries Working Group, and Training Member in the National Association of Librarians and Archivists in Portugal. Completed the Ph.D in Education in 2014/03/11 by Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto da Educação, Master in Education Sciences - Education and Reading in 2006 by Universidade de Lisboa and Graduation in Modern Languages and Literature - Portuguese Studies in 1998 by Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Is a Researcher at Universidade de Lisboa, and a collaborating Researcher at ISPA. Published 24 articles in journals. Has 27 sections of books and 3 books. Has received 3 awards and honours. Works in the area(s) of Social Sciences with emphasis on Educational Sciences. In their professional activities interacted with 68 collaborators in the co-authorship of scientific papers.

  • Luiza Baptista Melo, Universidade de Lisboa- Faculdade Medicina Dentária / CIDEHUS - Universidade de Évora
    • Degree in Chemistry of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (1986); postgraduate studies in Documentary Sciences at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto (1991), master's degree in Archives, Libraries and Information Sciences at the University of Évora (2005) and a PhD in Information and Documentation Sciences at the University of Évora (2012) . Since 1988, she has worked as a librarian at the University of Porto; Lusíada University of Porto; Portuguese Catholic University (North delegation). In 1995, she drew up the project for the creation of the European Documentation Center (EDC) of Universidade Lusíada do Porto, integrated in the European Union Information Network under the coordination of the European Commission. Currently, she is a librarian at the University of Lisbon.

      She is a researcher in the areas of Statistics, Quality Assessment, Performance and Impact of Libraries, Open Access and Open Science, being the author of several articles and chapters in national and international publications. She was a trainer, course coordinator and participated in te executive bodies of the North Delegation of BAD - Portuguese Association of Archivist and Documentary Librarians. She received a scholarship for advanced studies from the Foundation for Science and Technology, reference SFRH / BD / 36867/2007 (2008-2011). Since 2012, she is an integrated researcher at CIDEHUS.UE - Interdisciplinary Center for History, Cultures and Societies at the University of Évora.
      Member of the Scientific Board of International Conference on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries (QQML).
      Participated in scientific commissions of several international congresses.
      She received the distinction, Praise Cooperation - non-teaching 2013/2014, awarded by the Students Association of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto.

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Published

2025-09-05

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Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025): September issue 2025

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