Library and Information Science Research Trends in India

This study aims to examine research trends in Library and Information Science (LIS) in India through a systematic review of relevant literature. Thirty-three research publications focusing on LIS research trends in the Indian context were evaluated. Each article was reviewed to identify the key topic and the research methodologies employed. All the main LIS themes were then categorised into their respective decade for further analysis. The results indicate a significant focus on bibliometric and scientometric studies, as well as research on information-seeking behavior in recent decades. In the earlier years (1950–1960), LIS research primarily centered on themes such as classification, cataloguing, information retrieval and the LIS profession. However, the prominence of these topics has declined over time. In addition to bibliometric and information-seeking studies, researchers have also explored areas including various types of libraries (academic, university, public and special libraries), LIS education, digital libraries, library automation, electronic resources and webometrics. The study reveals a notable deficiency in methodological transparency, as 58 % of the examined articles do not describe the research methods used to derive their findings. This suggests a need for greater methodological rigor and reporting in LIS research conducted in India.