<$BlogRSDUrl$> Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
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Monday, August 02, 2004  

Comparing LIS Research Trends Around the World
http://www.ifla.org/VII/s24/pub/iflapr-80-e.pdf

A new report from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions looks at the differences in Library and Information Science research trends around the world. The study revealed what it called "a remarkable variation" in the emphases and trends in research among the countries studied, which included Scandinavia, Australia, China, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Each country has its own research profile, which does not closely follow the international trends. A strong interest in LIS services typified the research in Australia, Turkey and the UK. Research trends in Finland and the UK reflected most closely the profile in international core journals. A few research methods are commonly used, the report stated. Conceptual method and surveys are universally popular, and to a lesser extent, historical method. The IFLA report speculates that the popularity of these methods stems from their low cost and the ability of even individual researchers to employ them. Demanding research methods like experimental or qualitative are seldom used. Why the pronounced differences among countries? The report suggests that the social institutionalism of LIS affects research output. A well-developed social structure of the discipline has a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of research output. To understand further differences, the report says, look to the social and cultural differences of those countries.

posted by Marcus Zillman | 4:05 AM
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