A Bibliometric Analysis of Research by Canadian Library and Information Science Academics and Practitioners

Jean-Sébastien Sauvé, Madelaine Hare, Geoff Krause, Constance Poitras, Poppy Riddle, Philippe Mongeon
In-Person, Papers
Proceedings

Abstract

Using data from the Canadian Publications in Library and Information Science Database, this study maps the scholarly contributions of Canadian LIS scholars and academic librarians to the field of LIS and examines whether Canadian LIS research is characterized by silos. This paper examines the similarities and differences in publications, impact, topics, and publication venues between academic librarians and scholars in Canada, as well as the extent to which academics and practitioners engage in research collaborations or reference each other’s work. While there is some overlap in research topics and publication venues between LIS academics and academic librarians, the two groups appear to act as distinct research communities with distinct topical foci and publishing habits. The two groups also do not appear to engage with each other strongly, either through collaboration or citing each other’s work.

Date
May 28, 2025 13:25 ADT — 13:50 ADT
Location
Rowe 1016 and Zoom B
Bibliometrics Library and Information Science Scholarly Communication Academic Librarians Canadian universities Collaboration LIS faculty Scholarly Publishing
Madelaine Hare
Madelaine Hare
Digital Transformation & Innovation PhD student, University of Ottawa
Geoff Krause
Geoff Krause
ID PhD Program, Dalhousie University
Constance Poitras
Constance Poitras
École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l’information, Université de Montréal

Constance Poitras is a Ph.D. candidate and lecturer at the École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l’information at the Université de Montréal. Her research explores how established knowledge in Library and Information Science (LIS) crosses over intra-disciplinary boundaries and influences researchers’ career trajectories. Additionally, her work examines how doctoral research topics, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks contribute to the structuring of LIS subfields and its interactions with other disciplines.

Poppy Riddle
ID PhD Program, Dalhousie University

I am a PhD student researching how searching for information may be improved. I am working at the intersection of information seeking behaviour, scientometrics, and human-computer interaction.

Philippe Mongeon
Philippe Mongeon
Department of Information Science, Dalhousie University

Philippe Mongeon is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of information Science of Dalhousie University, where he runs the Quantitative Science Studies (QSS) Lab. He is also the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science (CJILS). His research uses bibliometrics and other quantitative methods to study the dynamics and practices of knowledge production, dissemination and use, as well as research evaluation and governance. He works on a broad range of more specific topics, such as research collaboration, scientific misconduct, scholarly publishing, data sharing, research funding, social media, networks, and the evolution of scientific fields.